Bob Cumming began his journey with Van Kam in 1971, working out of Kamloops. For twenty years, he was a familiar face across the region, delivering freight downtown to liquor stores and grocery warehouses. He knew his routes, knew the people, and took pride in doing the job right. From the start, Bob focused on building connections and showing up for the communities he served.
Shift Work and Chip Runs
In his early years, Bob delivered freight to downtown businesses and liquor stores before moving into more industrial runs. He later drove chip vans between the Fadear Sawmill in Barriere and the Weyerhaeuser Pulp Mill in Kamloops, hauling sawdust, hog fuel, and chips. It was shift work, three days on and three nights on, and he was good at it. He liked the routine, the purpose, and the people he met along the way. His favourite truck was a 6-cylinder he called “Jimmy,” and even now, he shares stories about those runs.
A Legacy That Stays With Us
Today, Bob is in hospice care. When our Kamloops team heard he wanted a Van Kam cap, we sent one over. The gesture brought back a lot of memories. His family said it made his day. He put the hat on right away and started talking about his years on the road. It reminded us of the strength of the bond between a driver and the work they do and how enduring that connection can be.
From the Cumming Family to Ours
The Cumming family reached out to thank our team and share a few photos of Bob, both from his past and now, wearing his Van Kam hat. They wanted us to know how much the moment meant to them. Bob’s time at Van Kam gave him a purpose, a routine, and people he could count on. We’re grateful to Bob and his family for reminding us what this kind of connection looks like.