Fifty years ago, Peter Lougheed was Premier of Alberta, Pierre Trudeau was Canada’s Prime Minister, Chrysler had just unveiled the four-door 440-cubic-inch Dodge Monaco, and Jim and Anne Tarrabain were learning about an opportunity that would start a family business legacy spanning five decades.
On a late summer day in 1974, the Tarrabains’ 15-year-old son, Sid, ran home from his job at Lakeland Service & Carwash, excitedly telling his parents that Leo Laventure was selling the business and that they should buy it. Months later, Anne and Jim became the new owners of Lakeland Service & Carwash Ltd on Main Street in Lac La Biche. The couple transitioned from operating a successful mink ranch to running one of only three gas stations in Lac La Biche, which also included a two-bay service area and the only carwash in town.
Business thrived, with six employees serving a growing customer base. Within five years, Jim and Anne expanded their operations, adding a Yamaha dealership, a used-car lot, a tow truck service, an expanded auto repair shop, and rebranding Jim's Coin Carwash. In 1983, they began selling Chrysler vehicles, offering new and pre-owned cars, complete mechanic services, and a fully-stocked parts department.
By 1985, Tarrabain’s Lakeland Service employed 20 full-time staff and had opened a vehicle sales office in Athabasca. The carwash expanded in 1993, and in 1994, Shell became their fuel supplier. A few years later, a renovation modernized the dealership, complete with a new showroom, office space, and a new name: Tarrabain Motors. By the turn of the millennium, Tarrabain Motors employed more than 30 staff.
Jim and Anne remained active in the business until Jim's death in 2011, followed by Anne's in 2017.
Throughout the years, Jim and Anne’s 10 children have been integral to the business. From the moment Sid shared the opportunity, each child as well as the remarkable staff has left their mark on the thriving company .
“Our mom and dad loved working with customers and showed us the importance of those relationships every day. It has always been a family business, and we continue to see our community as part of that family,” says Tammy Tarrabain, the general manager at what is now Tarrabain Dodge. “Today, 50 years after they began, we are proud to continue that legacy.”
Celebration of 50 Years starts this week
To honor their legacy, the community, and the significance of 50 years in business, a week of celebrations is planned from July 22 to 26, featuring sales and service specials, and a classic vehicle car show and a Customer appreciation BBQ
“We’re proud to serve our customers from the community and beyond. We want to say thank you and welcome more people into our family,” says current service department manager Soad Tarrabain. “Our parents taught us the importance of great customer service at every step.”
“We’d love for people to stop by for a chat" added business manager Anni Tarrabain. “There are many memorable stories over the years and hopefully many new ones to come.
