Idaho Trucking Leader Heber Andrus Dies at Age 75
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Heber Lynn Andrus, a past chairman of the Idaho Trucking Association and former owner of Idaho-based Doug Andrus Distributing, .
He was born June 23, 1949, in Idaho Falls, the fourth of six children raised in a trucking family. His father Doug Andrus in 1937 founded the company that bore his name. He started with one truck and a single route serving a Wyoming coal mine.
“For over 40 years from 1974 to 2018, Heber inspired and transformed the industry and this great company,” the company stated. “Heber had a visionary role in building this company from a handful of trucks from his childhood bedroom to where it is today, being the largest Idaho-based carrier. Countless employees and business associates considered him a mentor and a friend. His influence on all of us is a testament to his remarkable legacy. We honor a life well lived. Heber will be deeply missed, yet his impact will never be forgotten.”
Through his involvement with ITA, Andrus was very active in Idaho’s repeal of the controversial ton-mile tax 25 years ago. The tax charged truckers fees based on maximum registered vehicle weight and three mileage ranges: under 7,500 miles, 7,501 to 50,000 miles and over 50,000 miles.
Andrus graduated from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls in 1967, where he wrestled and played the trombone. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1974 with a business management degree.
(Doug Andrus Distributing via Facebook)
He and his brother Doug Jr. purchased the trucking company from their father in the mid-1970s. Today, third-generation Andrus family members have joined the firm.
The carrier operates over 270 trucks and 500 trailers while serving customers throughout the United States and Western Canada.
Heber is survived by his wife, Carolyn; their eight children (Jason, Jennifer Sewell, Tonya Byington, Michael, Kristy Mickelsen, Jonathan, Tina Wilkinson, Kelly Meppen); siblings (Janet Orchard and Stephen Andrus); 46 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas Milo Andrus and Veatrice Nelson Andrus, and three siblings: Norma Fielding, Douglas Andrus Jr. and David Andrus.
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