Author: busadmin

BHA Officers David Vincent, Mario Seneviratne, Bernie Drouillard and myself regretfully have to announce the cancellation of the BHA Annual Convention scheduled for Iowa City from June 11-13, 2020 due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation. At this point, the BHA felt that there was no choice for a number of reasons:

• The CDC in the US has recommended no groups larger than 10 people assemble for the next 8 weeks. While this only is effective until about mid-May, the possibility exists that it may be extended.
• The BHA has a lot of Canadian members who regularly attend conventions. As of last week, US and Canada agreed to shut down the border for non-essential trips. It is not known when this will be rescinded.
• The BHA also has a lot of members in the 60+ age group who regularly attend conventions. This is the group with the highest risk to Covid-19 and the BHA Officers do not wish to put them at risk.
• Even if activities were to return to normal in 4-6 weeks,  people will be hesitant to travel for some time. If the convention had low attendance, the BHA would risk a financial loss due to the full size charter coaches that were already booked for our activities.
• While it might be possible to reschedule the convention later in the year, many of our members in the bus industry sign for their holidays during the previous year. This would make it hard for some people to adjust to a new time, with little warning.

The BHA is still hopeful of doing a convention in Iowa City, possibly in June 2021.

The BHA also thanks members who have submitted the convention survey for years 2021-2025. If you have not responded yet, there is still time. The results will be published in a future issue of “Bus Industry”.

Please be careful over the next few weeks and follow the suggestions of your elected officials to self-isolate and social distance. I know we are all looking forward to the day when we can resume our bus enthusiast hobby, but for now, it is safer inside.

Kevin Nicol

Convention Coordinator

Bus History Association

LEGER, Paul Alderic

Age 90 of Halifax. It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Paul Leger, who passed away peacefully in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII May 20, 2019.

Born in Moncton, N.B. he was the son of the late Alfred and Helen (Beaton) Leger. He is survived by his son, David Leger (Joy) of Langley, B.C.; daughter, Patricia Leger of Surrey, B.C. He is also survived by his brother, Edward Leger; sister, Isabelle Leger both of Moncton, N.B.; step grandson, Joshua Dandal, Toronto, Ont.

Paul was a man of integrity and of deep faith who loved his family, and cherished his many friends and exceptional neighbours. Too many to mention, you know who you are and are very much appreciated by Paul’s family. A special mention to his dear friend Alma and the extended Martini family for the significant role they played in our father and brother’s life.

Paul’s working life began in Moncton, N.B. at SMT (Eastern Bus Line) and carried over to CN Freight and VIA Rail in Halifax from where he retired.

Paul was a lifelong bus enthusiast and bus industry aficionado. He was an encyclopedia on both and always willing to share his knowledge and files with those who shared his interest. Paul’s remarkable records and photographic archive are thankfully preserved in the care of the New Brunswick Archives at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, N.B. So much still to be done and that torch will now be carried by those inspired by Paul’s passion.

He loved many genres of music which gave him many hours of listening pleasure over his lifetime. He was a cat lover to the core. Pre-deceased by two of his favourites; Snooky and beloved Amaretto, to which he provided a loving best home forever, despite her existing health issues. A truly beautiful relationship.

The family wishes to acknowledge the physicians, nurses and therapists on floor 8.1 at the Halifax Infirmary, QEII and Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, QEII Hospital, Canadian Red Cross, Continuing Care and VON for their exceptional care and kindness. Cremation has taken place under the care of Dartmouth Funeral Home and a funeral will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, Diabetes Canada or any local animal humane society of your choice.

One of the greatest tributes one can receive is to be recognized as a “good man”, you were that Paul. Rest in peace, sleep with angels Dad!

Condolences and remembrances of Paul may be shared with the family at: www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca