OTA would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of John Michael McKevitt Sr., president of McKevitt Trucking in Thunder Bay, Ontario. John passed away peacefully at his home On Sunday June 15 with his family by his side. He was 93.
John started McKevitt Trucking with a two-ton Chevy truck in 1948 with his late wife Shirley, who ran operations out of the couple’s basement. They grew the company into one of Northern Ontario’s largest. It had about 275 tractors and 450 trailers 10 years ago and ranked #71 in Canada’s Top 100 List. The company ceased operations in late 2024.
A longtime member of the OTA Board of Directors, John was also a vocal and passionate advocate for the trucking industry and Northern Ontario safety issues. In 1992, he received the prestigious Service to Industry Award – the highest recognition in the trucking industry and a tribute to an individual who, by their commitment, vision, leadership and unstinting service, has made an outstanding contribution to the development and success of the truck transportation industry.
He was also a founding member of the Fleet Advisory Panel of Rockwell International, USA.
McKevitt’s business philosophy was “provide high quality service at a competitive price” – a mission statement that John carried throughout his career.
He is survived by his son, John Jr., and grandson Michael.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at a later date, TBD. Arrangements have been entrusted to the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma. See here for more obituary details and funeral updates as they become available.