In Memoriam Neil Herbert “Speedy” Creek

The aftermarket industry mourns the loss of Neil Herbert Creek, who passed away on September 22, 2019.

Neil began his aftermarket career in July 1979 at Gillis & Warren, part of the Booker Automotive Group in Winnipeg, 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 with Gilles&Warren, Acklands, and Bumper to Bumper, 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 their 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. Neil 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 & Development Manager for Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

Neil became the “go-to” contact in the region for Uni-Select. Out-of-town vendors enjoyed calling on Neil when they visited Winnipeg, while local vendors enjoyed discussing the state of the market with him. His customers enjoyed the benefit of his extensive knowledge.

Neil was an active volunteer with the Automotive Industries Association of Canada Manitoba Division for 20 years. Neil was nominated chairman of the Manitoba Division 2017/2018.

AIA Canada Manitoba Division will make a donation to Cancer Manitoba in Neil’s memory.