Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #08-121
May 21, 2008
2008 Transportation Hall of Fame Recipients
WHITEHORSE – On its 12th anniversary, the Yukon Transportation Hall of Fame is announcing the names of 2008’s Pioneer of the Year and Person of the Year awards recipients.
“These awards allow Yukoners to honour and acknowledge those individuals who have contributed significantly to Yukon’s transportation industry,” Highways and Public Works Minister Archie Lang said.
Valentine Scheck is the recipient of the Pioneer of the Year award.
Mr. Scheck worked in various areas of the transportation industry throughout his life, from cutting wood, operating highway equipment, repairing bridges, to starting and managing his own trucking company. He also built the first tri-axle truck and the first tri-axle pup tanker in Yukon.
Harold Upton is the recipient of the Person of the Year award.
Mr. Upton worked most of his career in transportation, being involved primarily with mines and bulk hauls. In 1986, he was instrumental in developing an air ride system for trailers used for the Faro ore haul. This air ride system lowered the impacts on Yukon highways and resulted in a 60% decrease in tire wear. Later on in his career, he redesigned the ore trailer to end up with a 10-axle combination that is still in use. Mr. Upton’s innovative design increased payloads and efficiency, and lowered transportation costs for Yukon.
“This is a great opportunity to thank the independent panel for their commitment and dedication in selecting the most suitable nominees for the Pioneer of the Year and Person of the Year awards,” Lang said.
This year’s ceremony will take place at the Yukon Transportation Museum located on 30 Electra Crescent (next to the Whitehorse Airport) on June 3 at 7 p.m.
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| Contact: | |
| Matthew Grant Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7961 matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca |
Karla Ter Voert Communications Analyst Highways & Public Works (867) 456-3825 karla.tervoert@gov.yk.ca |