More than 200 people gathered to remember north-east haulage company founder Magnus Slater at a memorial service in Union Kirk, Aberdeen.
The Australian-born businessman who started M&H Carriers from his Aberdeen council house died aged 67 after suffering a heart attack.
Friends, family and former colleagues gathered in the Aberdeen church on Friday, September 28 to pay tribute to the well-respected parcel business leader.
He found his calling
Magnus, who was also co-owner for a time of Bucksburn pub, the Auchmill Inn, moved to Scotland as a child.
After school he joined the army, completing tours in Northern Ireland and with the United Nations, then worked a short while as a butcher.
However, it was within the haulage and distribution industry that he found his calling, working as a driver, shop steward and then depot manager.
Magnus left to start his own business following a disagreement with his employer. Bolstered by the encouragement of former clients and a hard work ethic, M&H carriers, named after Magnus and then-wife Helen, was born.
Humble beginnings
With just a car and trailer operating from his Aberdeen home, the company grew to a national business with hubs in the Granite City, Inverness, Argyll and Dundee.
Known for his mantra: “if you want something, you need to work for it” he saw his business through many storms; the inspiration behind many of his team staying with the company for decades.
Throughout his tenure with M&H Carriers, Magnus was never afraid to get his hands dirty – often jumping behind the wheel of a truck or forklift when needed.
Social media tributes described him as “a one-off character” and a “legend” by his industry peers.
A true ‘one off’
In 2003 Magnus returned to Australia and in 2019, then semi-retired, he left the day-t0-day operations of M&H Carriers, carrying on as chairman.
M&H Carriers managing director Fraser MacLean led tributes at the memorial service.
He said: “This is an incredibly sad day for all the people that have worked with Magnus over the years. He was a true one-off, and anyone who dealt with him will be able to vouch for that. Our thoughts are with all of Magnus’ family at this time.”
When he wasn’t negotiating deals and working into his retirement, Magnus loved to travel. His zest for life extended to unique experiences which included bungee jumping off Victoria Falls, cage diving with sharks and quad biking through minefields in Cambodia.
Magnus died in July, and is survived by his wife Tracy, his children Sam, Richard and Alexis, and his grandchildren Josh, Adam, Quinn, Luke and Ellis.
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