Winnipeg, Manitoba — The aftermarket industry mourns the loss of Neil Herbert Creek, who passed away on Sept. 22, 2019.
Neil began his aftermarket career in July 1979 at Gillis and Warren, part of the Booker Automotive Group in Winnipeg, Man. after graduating from the University of Manitoba. Shortly thereafter, he transferred to Western Warehouse Distributors, the automotive arm of Acklands Ltd.
Throughout Neil’s career he was exposed to many aspects of the automotive aftermarket – warehousing, purchasing, banner programs and of course sales–that which would serve him well in his future.
In the ’80s and ’90s, Acklands Ltd. expanded its Bumper to Bumper program and Neil was transferred to the sales department. In 2001, the Prairie automotive assets of Acklands-Grainger were purchased by Uni-Select Inc.
Neil was a valuable asset to the consolidated organization. He participated in the sale of the Corporate Bumper to Bumper stores to associates, and the consolidation of two automotive distributing center inventories.
Through to his retirement in January of 2019, Neil was the Uni-Select sales and development manager for Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
Neil was an active volunteer with AIA (Automotive Industries Association) Manitoba for 20 years. Neil was nominated chairman of the Manitoba Division 2017/2018.
Those who knew Neil personally have offered their condolences.
“I had the pleasure of knowing Neil and working with him for several years at both Acklands and Bumper to Bumper,” wrote one person. “So sorry to hear of his passing.”
“I am so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing,” wrote another. “I enjoyed working with him and discussing current events. But most of all, he was the one to get the ball rolling for our local company BBQs and our Christmas lunches.”
AIA Manitoba said it will make a donation to Cancer Manitoba in Neil’s memory.
