An Armstrong trucking company, along with a national truckers organization, is mourning the loss of someone they call “not just a great driver, but a great man.”
Reimer Bros. Trucking Ltd. and Skilled Truckers Canada both shared reactions on social media to the sudden death Monday, Feb. 12, of driver Mike Beernaerts. He was killed on Highway 97, just south of Highway 1 and just south of the Monte Lake Brake Check, in a collision between semi trucks shortly before 7 p.m.
“Mike’s infectious smile and laughter brightened our days,” wrote Reimer Bros. on its Facebook page Thursday, Feb. 15. “Not only was he an exceptional trucker, but he was also a remarkable human being.
“Everyone at Reimer Bros. can attest to the fact that Mike’s presence will be deeply missed.”
Beernaerts had been with the Armstrong firm for only five months.
Skilled Canada Truckers shared that Beernaerts was known for his smile; that he was “always there, ready to step up, help someone, offer advice.”
“He genuinely cared not only for his career, but for everyone he met along the way,” said the tribute to Beernaerts, which also included sharing a poignant story about a stop in Saskatchewan.
“Once in Moosomin, he borrowed a $10 off me and handed it to a down on her luck woman. He never did pay me back and it became a standing joke between us. It wasn’t because he didn’t have it…. it was because in his own way he was saying, remember this next time you see someone in dire straits.”
Both organizations passed along condolences to Beernaerts’ family, friends, and co-workers.
“He was one hell of a driver,” said Skilled Truckers Canada. “He knew his way around a truck and knew our highways. A good many miles we shared on the highway. A true veteran of the art. Old school as they come.”
READ MORE: Fatal Monte Creek crash closes Highway 97 overnight