Robert L. Surman
Elected: April 9, 1994
Inducted: June 24, 1994
Family: Born January 2, 1931 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He presently resides in Burnaby, British Columbia with his wife, Audrey and one daughter.
History: Robert began his towing career in 1941 at the age of 16 as a driver at Buster’s Auto Towing. In 1959 he started his own company, but returned to Buster’s in 1965 as General Manager over a hundred unit fleet, the largest in Canada. In 1980 he joined Unitow Services as Operations Manager. Bob is a professional tower. He served as Chairman of the Professional Tow Truck Operators of British Columbia (A.R.A.) from 1989-1993. Further, he reinstituted the Tow Truck Rodeo and Trade Show in British Columbia and both have been very successful under his leadership. Bob is also a past member of the Canadian Association of Fleet Supervisors and a longtime member of the Pacific National Exhibition Parade Committee. His hobbies include aviation history and Bob serves as President of the “Friends of the DC-3” organization, which restores antique aircraft. Robert has been one of the model towers and citizens of Western Canada and deserves his place in the Hall of Fame.
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HALL OF FAME NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Tow Equipment/Product Innovation
Innovation of a product sold in the marketplace that has helped move the industry forward. Candidate must have a minimum of 10 years of service to the industry.
Exemplary Dedication
Candidate must have 20 years running a towing business in an outstanding and exemplary manner, promoting a positive image of the towing industry and have positive relations with the community, i.e., performing services for the community about and beyond the services for hire. Limit: One inductee per year.
Industry Leadership
Leadership involved with an outstanding project that has had a dynamic and lasting effect on the towing industry. Candidate must have minimum 10 years service to the towing industry.
Professional Achievement
Creating a product or service of any kind that has had a significant and lasting effect on thousands of towing professionals. Candidate Must have a minimum of 10 years to the industry.