In Memoriam
Richard A. Gareau
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IN MEMORY OF RICK GAREAU “THE KING OF FREIGHT”
It is with a profound sorrow that I learned today that one of my best friends world-wide is no longer with us. I met him the first time in Montreal, during the USI meeting, and I was impressed by his open character, his large smile, the simplicity by which he described his activity, the availability to work with all of us. I was aware to have found not only a new Agent but a new friend.
He was generous, he always helped in case of need, and we found that many aspects of our character were the same. After a few years, at every USI meeting we decided to play golf in a serious match-play competition where each of us wanted to win. Getting older it was difficult for me to win against that big man ten years younger, who was striking the ball 250 yards away, and that was the time that I decided to sponsor the USI Golf Competition, with serious prizes as golf is considered by a golfer a serious game. We continued to play together in our competitions until the meeting in Cancun, where he could not attend because of his serious disease.
In business he was exceptional, because he gave business to almost all the partners. He was recognized as the best Partner of the Year in many meetings and for many years we have been calling him “the king of freight.”
The summer before the ‘covid’ I invited him and Rénée for a vacation in our
beautiful Island of Sardinia. We played together in the Manageritalia Golf Trophy and he won a prize. You cannot believe how happy he was.
Although he traveled a lot, he cared about his family which was constantly
growing. In this sense he looked like an Italian, and he was proud of his family.
In the year 2021 he was consulting with me about our future. I simply explained to him that I wished to protect my staff as long as I could, and that I was considering giving shares to all my staff in order that they can benefit of the hard work that they do every day. I finished this operation in December 2021 and knew that he also decided to give MTA Lines to his staff. I do not know the details, but I am convinced that he was fair as usual in this deal.
In our recent communications he was describing his disease in an optimistic way and I realized that he was fighting like a tiger. Now he must be in a quiet place, on that pink cloud in the sky.
In many religions people think that there is a new life over there. Dear Rick, one day soon or later we will meet again over that pink cloud and definitely there will be a golf course, where we can continue our skins game forever.
Rest in peace my great friend.
With love, Tino
Milan, May 27, 2024
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Dear United Shipping and MTA Lines Team,
All of us at the Hormino Maia Office received this news with great sadness and we deeply regret the loss of dear Rick.
We had the privilege of welcoming Mr. Rick to our office in Brazil at the beginning of our affiliation with United Shipping, it was a great time.
We were able to enjoy his pleasant company and kindness.
A very happy person, happy with life and who quickly infected everyone with his sense of humor. We were able to enjoy his heartfelt laugh.
Our colleague Randal always has good stories to tell alongside Rick, at the annual United Shipping meetings where they were able to meet.
He will certainly be missed by everyone who had the privilege of living with him.
We wish all family, friends and the MTA Lines team our deepest condolences.
Rest in peace Rick.
Silmara Queiroz
Hormino Maia
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Dear friends,
It is so sad to learn about Rick Gareau passing away.
What I will always keep in my heart is Rick´s warm and welcoming smile. Every time we met and talked he had this friendly smile on his face. This made everything so easy. Few persons have I known that have this quality. Rick will be very much missed. I send all my love and big hug to dear Renee and his family and colleagues. You are in my prayers. Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Adriana Osuna
Intercom & SAT Mexico
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We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rick. He was not only a respected figure within USI but also a kind and helpful individual who left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rick always went above and beyond to support and guide us, demonstrating unwavering kindness and generosity in his interactions. His presence will be sorely missed, and his legacy of compassion and dedication will continue to inspire us.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues as they navigate through this loss. May they find comfort in the cherished memories and the positive impact Rick had on those around him.
With deepest sympathy,
YY Kong
on behalf of Mr. CF Kong and Alfro Freight Forwarders
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Dear Gareau Family,
We are sorry to hear about the demise of Mr. Rick Gareau. Our deepest condolence to the bereaved family.
May his soul rest in peace.
His support & friendship will be ever remembered.
From
Management & staff of
K Square Global Logistics Pvt Ltd.
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In loving memory of Rick, a man who found a way into our hearts and never left. I'll always think of him whenever I see a bottle of Baileys. At every USI conference, like clockwork, he was there to top up our morning coffee with a splash of cheer.
Rick and his family brought warmth and humanity to the business world, making it a better place for all of us.
Cheers to Rick—forever remembered and dearly missed.
Bruno Liotta
Interunion
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WF Whelan Company joined The United Shipping Family a short 25 years ago, when I was a young man still learning the ropes. Rick was always the first one to help me along the way if I needed any guidance. Rick and Renee were always open to spending time with me during the USI WW Meetings as I was just getting to know everyone. He has assisted WF Whelan with software training, freight consols, clearances before the days or remote filing, and so much more. He truly is a wonderful guy, and I will miss him.
He is forever The King of Freight.
Dan Falzon
WF Whelan Company
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In 2014 United Shipping meeting took place at Buenos Aires, at that moment we have an exchange rate situation and Rick ask us to exchange some money. So we do, amount was high, we suggest not to ... But the insist, so without questioning anymore we do it. He just said to me... I will travel around... Usually anyone coming down here will go to the glaciar, waterfalls or even Mendoza where is our famous Malbec. But no, Rick has to do something different, he went to PINAMAR...
For those who doesnt know, Pinamar is a beach place, but a windy one, crowded...He not only decided to go to the beach during our summer... He also decided to travel by car. So he rent a car, and drive 300 miles to Pinamar. While he was driving he was stop by the police, they never get each other as Rick doesnt speak spanish and the police certainly doesnt speak english, so after some face signals... He was allow to keep driving.
A few years later, I was at New York on a business trip, and somehow, I got a flight to Ohio and visited Rick. Not only was I welcome at the MTA office, but he also invites me to stay at his house. Best evening ever, we have some drinks, he cook some barbecue, and after dinner he come to me and show me some money he has left from his Argentinean trip... Try to exchange it back, at the time he have that money at Argentina it was something like USD 300, but a few years later it was close to USD 50... So I look at him and tell him, if YOU want 300 for this... Ill give it to you but it will be for receiving me, we laugh about inflation, and by the end he told me buy something nice to your girls. And that was it.
Generous, loving and adventure. I always like to be around him, and felt his good energy.
I will miss you Rick, but most important will always remember you.
Felipe Mazzini
Silver Freight Logistic
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Dear Rick,
I am writing this letter to tell you that you are and always will be a part of my heart and soul. From the 1st time we met I knew you were special; you took me under your wing at my very first meeting. Throughout the years, as I got to know you better, I came to realize that you are the kindest and most generous human being I have ever come to know. As a bonus, you made me laugh so hard my stomach hurt and who can forget those EPIC hugs every time I saw you.
You are my mentor and someone for whom I have tremendous respect and admiration for. When I think of “role model” a great big picture of you pops up. Yes, I see your humble smile now. And who are we kidding, our U.S. Office would not exist today were it not for you and your kindness and generosity.
The times we spent together with you and Renée on the wine trips were a blessing and we will always remember how much we all laughed together and as a bonus we got to taste some excellent wines. We especially loved to see your eyes light up and that big smile when you tasted a wine that you liked!
We will always cherish the time you and Renée came to stay with us Montreal, we had a blast! Speaking of Montreal do you remember when the board of United Shipping came to our house for the scotch tasting (which you tasted a lot of), and we all had you convinced for 2 days that you had stripped and gone into our hot tub?
Your words will forever echo in our ears and our hearts: “It doesn’t get any better than this!”
Well, my friend, I could go on forever, but I just wanted to let you know how much I love you (people don’t say it enough these days) and wherever you are I hope you are happy and at peace (and enjoying great scotch and wine).
Love always,
Sandy
AGO Transportation
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You will be greatly missed by many for a long time. I'm thankful for the week we spent in Denver with Lacey. Always a big smile and lots of laughs. RIP my friend.
Michael McKay
United Shipping
Many friends come into our lives but only a few leave extraordinary marks on our hearts like Rick Gareau has done. Rest easy, my friend.
Lacey Chapman
United Shipping
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I was so sad to learn that my friend Rick passed away.
All my most sincere condolences to his whole and large family.
I will remember and hear forever his famous sentence in French:
“Bonjour Et merci beaucoup Mon Ami"
Bruno Caujolle
Groupe RDT
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We have lost another friend though, my sadness hearing this news.
My condolences to his family, all those of his friends and loving ones. Rest in peace my friend Richard (Rick) Gareau, we all shall miss you.
Diskorn Chantrasomboon
MSI Logistics
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Dear Partners,
Rick and his company, Midwest Transatlantic Lines, joined our United Shipping association 34 years ago, shortly after our founding. Rick’s company quickly became one of our most successful partners winning numerous awards including Partner of the Year multiple times. Rick travelled the world extensively, benefiting both his own company and United Shipping.
Rick happily served United Shipping in many capacities and for many years, including as a member of the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. He participated in all of our international and domestic meetings and whenever and wherever he was called. His participation and advice was influential and substantial in the growth and success of United Shipping.
Over the years Rick’s humor, understanding and sharing of his love for life created many friendships around the globe. Rick was one of the kindest and most generous individuals and fortunate are those of us who worked, travelled and enjoyed life with him. Rick treasured his family and truly enjoyed being with people. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed fine food and wine. We are all better for having shared this life with Rick.
Jim Swift
United Shipping
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Your dedication at United Shipping was truly inspiring. We will always remember your kindness and the positive impact you had on us. Rest in peace.
With respect,
H.Y. & Steve Hwang
Worldroad Express - Korea
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Sending our deepest condolences & sympathy to the bereaved family. The loss of such a good person and mentor of everyone at United Shipping. His bright spirit and enthusiasm will be always be remembered.
May his soul rest in peace.
Vivian Vocales
Asian Consolidation
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It is so difficult for me to express how sad we are about Rick’s leaving. We met from United Shipping and decided to work together since 2000.
With commitment from both sides, we fortunately built solid foundation for LCL consolidations from Taiwan/China to Cleveland.
We create something together but most valuable thing we have is the friendship. He knew well about my family, in-laws, even my cats liked him, but he was allergic to cat.
He had a great birthday party in Taipei for his 66th. That was before Covid isolation. I can’t believe he is gone.
His 65th was in HKG, we went to Shenzhen early on 1/13. When we returned, that was late almost reached midnight. And he took the Courtesy Lane of senior people for coming into HKG from SZ, he was caught by customs agent because he wasn’t old enough for the Courtesy Lane. He was excited to tell the agent "COME ON, really need me to wait for another 10 minutes for my 65th BD!’’
That is too bad for you didn’t have a chance to see the agent’s smile when he said that. I still can hear the HAPPY BIRTHDAYs from the passengers at the hall today.
We had so much fun when he was around.
That is Rick, the King of Freight, not only moving freight.
David Lin
Delivery on Time
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