Carl P Vanderspek

published on February 12, 2021 in Vancouver Sun and The Province

It is with heavy heart that we share with you the passing of Carl P Vanderspek, aged 79.
Carl passed early Friday, February 5th, 2021, quietly at home in Burnaby, after a year-long battle with cancer, surrounded by some of those who loved him most.
Carl is remembered by his loving wife Margaret, son Doug, daughter Julie, and extended family. Carl was predeceased by his son David, 1962-2005.
Carl was a UBC grad with a Chartered Accountancy (CPA) designation. He had an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit and natural gift for business. He applied his laser sharp business acumen to a number of business ventures and projects in his lifetime, most notably as the founder and builder of Trailer Wizards, which he developed and grew into Canada's largest national provider of flexible commercial trailers. He sold Trailer Wizards in late 2019.
While steadfastly building and growing Trailer Wizards and other businesses, he also developed and shared his skills as a philanthropist supporting those who apply their education and skills to help others. In an arena where progress is measured in years, Carl could be counted on to act at lightning speed removing barriers to accomplish and deliver projects in months and often even weeks.
Carl was an active YPO/YPO Gold member, promoting and advocating Forums as a way of building resiliency in its members as well as their businesses.
Although often very quiet, he was a Toastmaster and a skilled storyteller when a point needed to be made. He was clear about his values and knew where they were formed. He shared stories of his father's business, as well as his own businesses and life experiences to illustrate his core values and principles. A handshake meant more than the documentation. A favorite comment we'd hear from him, as he worked expeditiously completing deals was, "don't let the lawyers screw this up."
Carl grew up in a trucking family but was also passionately involved in a series of rail hobbies, including the operation of speeders on railways in western Canada and the US, mini-rail operation and G-scale. One of his favorite places in the world was Train Mountain, Oregon, where he loved to entertain guests, taking them into the wilderness on his trains and railbikes and ending the days sharing stories and engaging in diverse conversations. Carl cherished time spent with family, friends and colleagues who joined him on long weekends to "play trains".
Carl was a loving devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and champion to many.
No words can truly convey our sadness at Carl's passing or our gratitude for the opportunity to count him as family, friend and colleague.
Carl's memory will be honoured by his family and close friends as we dedicate ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much, helping those who help others, through his Foundation - 625 Powell Street Foundation.
If you would like to make a donation in Carl's name, please go to 625powell.org where you will see many of the organizations he supports, and you can donate directly to any one of them in his name.
A virtual celebration of Carl's life will be held at a time to be determined.
Carl P Vanderspek; a truly great man who achieved great things and who cared deeply for the well-being of others.

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Carl P Vanderspek

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