Staff
The sudden accidental death of Ponoka businessman Don Laing last Thursday morning at his place of business outside that community has sent shock waves throughout central Alberta, including in Rimbey.
According to the RCMP, Laing, who was 61 years of age at the time, was killed early in the morning of August 6 while he was operating a telehandler-type of forklift to unload a number of heavy concrete blocks off of a flat-deck trailer. Investigators believe Laing exited the machine while it was still running. The machine rolled forward hitting him and he was found deceased under a rear tire of the forklift.
“When I first heard the news it was very, very shocking. I’ve known Don for the past 30-some years and we did a tremendous amount of business with him,” said Allen Olsen of Allen B. Olson Auction Service. “I’ve been involved in three or four different total closeout sales for him when he changed operations. Besides being a business associate, he was also a very good friend. We did lots of thing together. We’ve been on holidays together and it was very shocking to hear what happened to him and very unfortunate for everyone.”
Olson said Laing was very well known in the equipment and trailer sales business throughout the country and was also very charitable when the call went sponsorship opportunities.
“Don was very supportive of all local activities in the community such as 4-H, rodeos and things like that and he also sponsored a number of other events,” he said. “He will be tremendously missed in the equipment business. He was known far and wide from north to south and across Canada. He will be missed.”
Another Rimbey-based business with close ties to Laing is Jordan’s Equipment Ltd. where he will also be remembered for his exceptional business prowess.
“Of course we were shocked because he wasn’t an old man and he was a very vibrant business operator,” said Gerald Jordan. “We’ve dealt with him for probably the last 20 years. He’ll be missed in the industry – there’s no doubt about that. He was what you call a mover and a shaker.”
Occupational Health and Safety officials also attended the scene and are in the process of conducting an investigation. An examination by the Medical Examiners Office had also been scheduled of last Friday, August 7.
According to the RCMP foul play is not suspected however the incident remains under investigation. Once that process is completed, further details will be released.
Laing leaves to mourn his wife and two grown children.
According to Olson, a memorial service will be held on Monday, Aug. 17 at the site of Don Laing Trailers just west of Ponoka where friends and business acquaintances can offer condolences to the family.