LAKELAND - The opening lines of the eulogy read at Victor Ringuette's funeral held last month summed up the thoughts of many.
"Victor Ringuette was a good man – with a big heart. In some way or another, he touched the lives of many, many people and his life’s story will echo in the life stories of more people than he could have imagined," reads the eulogy, delivered by his daughter Roxanne.
Victor was known across the Lakeland for his contributions to a long list of community-driven initiatives - from hockey, to chuckwagons, to health care initiatives, and plenty in between. He was also the owner of a long-running business, B&R Eckel's Transport, a trucking company based in Bonnyville, but that sprawls from Edmonton and across a large portion of Alberta.
And while many were quick to honour Victor's generosity and dedication to his community, it wasn't recognition that he sought.
"He always graciously accepted gratitude and accolades, but he didn’t need, and often didn’t want, recognition. Because he had the ability and the opportunity to give back, he did. Service to others was a responsibility. 'You do what you do and you give what you can.' His humility was sincere," said Roxanne.
Victor was also known for his work ethic.
"He worked hard and he appreciated the hard work done by other people. He expected and trusted that people would work hard, but if he could make someone’s road a little easier, he always did."
In 1965, Victor and his friend, Andy Beaupre, formed a partnership and began B&R Transport. They borrowed the needed funds to purchase trucks, and the same year pulled their first load from Edmonton.
By the end of the first year, the fleet had grown to five or six trucks, and the business was mostly operating from Victor's home, with his wife, Greta, acting as the receptionist, doing math by hand, and without the use of much of the technology that now exists. Through the years, Victor and Greta would raise four children, and welcome numerous grandchildren.
Just three years after establishing B&R Transport, the company would buy Bonnyville Trucking's business. A handful of years after that, land and a building was purchased. Not long after, Beaupre sold his half of the business to Victor to pursue other interests. The same year - 1974 - Victor and seven others created Central Truck Depot in Edmonton.
During the rest of the 1970s, the business grew, purchasing other businesses along the way and expanding its service area.
In 1983, a fire destroyed 11 trucks and the maintenance shop, but Victor found a rental space and business carried on.
With talk of heavy oil exploration, the company positioned itself to be ready, which it was. Oil boomed in the 1980s, but then the bust of 1986 happened. Still, Victor held on. He sold what he could, but believed things would turn around.
Two years later, there was light at the end of the tunnel. The economy in Alberta had turned around. The company continued to purchase businesses in communities across the region throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s. The most recent acquisition listed on the B&R Eckel's website is Pack Mule Cartage in Vermilion, which was purchased in 2020.
The company now employs over 400 people.
"In as much as he could, he supported schools, sports teams and events, youth organizations, community events and projects, health foundations, churches, shelters, missions, food banks, and charities of all sorts. He strongly believed in supporting the community – particularly when it came to youth and health and those less fortunate," said Roxanne.
Victor will be remembered as someone who "never forgot where he came from or how and with whose help he got to where he was." Honestly was a cornerstone in his beliefs, and he believed in doing the right thing.
He also trusted those around him.
"Victor understood that, in order to sustain a successful business, he had to put the right people in the right places, and give them the tools, the training, and the trust to do their jobs. That strategy served him well for over 56 years," said Roxanne.
After recalling a long list of personal stories and expanding on the many unique characteristics of her father, Roxanne explained how when her dad was in the hospital, he would ask, “What’s new in the village?"
"Today, the village is sad. We are saying goodbye to a good man."
On Nov. 30, MLA David Hanson paid tribute to Victor in the Legislature, speaking to the many contributions he made over the years.
"To Greta, Victor's four children and his 11 grandchildren, thank you for sharing him with us. I know he will be missed most by you. Our entire province is better off from his time here, and we are forever grateful. He was a great Albertan," said Hanson.
