10-4 Magazine - For Today's Trucker

SAYING GOODBYE TO GARY KING
Trucker Buddy Founder Passes Away

On June 9th, 2007 Gary King, founder of the Trucker Buddy International program, passed away. Rod & Kim Grimm, longtime owner operators and writers of our monthly column Trucker Talk, were at the first Kenworth Driver’s Board meeting in Louisville, KY in 1992 when Gary pitched the idea for the Trucker Buddy program to Kenworth. At that meeting, the foundation of what would become a really great program was laid – pairing up truckers with classrooms to educate kids about the trucking industry and lifestyle, as well as a few lessons in geography. Gary and his wife Carol believed in the work they were doing and they sacrificed so much to put in the time and effort to build the program into something so successful. They did it for the kids, but what the drivers get out of it is just as important. Kim Grimm remembers a little girl in a class they had in Violet, LA who once asked, “How many blocks until you get home?” This one man has touched so many lives in such a positive way, always with the help, encouragement and support of his loving wife Carol. In 2000, due to health problems, the Kings turned over Trucker Buddy to Executive Director Ellen Voie, who had previously been on the board of directors. Ellen and Gary remained close until the end – he always reminded her that she was like a daughter to him. If you aren’t already a Trucker Buddy, check into the program and get a class. Drivers are always needed, and it truly is a great experience. Call toll free 1-800-MY-BUDDY or go online to www.truckerbuddy.org for more details. Memorials can be sent to: Gary King Memorial Fund, c/o Monona State Bank, P.O. Box 6500, Monona, WI 53716.