Vale Larry Gill

News of the passing of Offroad Trucks Australia founder and owner, Larry Gill, on Saturday 12th March, has saddened the heavy vehicle industry.

The Offroad Trucks Australia team paid tribute to Larry on the company Facebook page:

“To us, Larry was the most generous, genuine and caring boss. The epitome of a true gentleman, he was always there for a chat and encouragement.

“No more winky poppin’ for the cowboy that doesn’t cry. He will be sadly missed by us all.

“Family is more than blood!”

Offroad Trucks Australia are headquartered in Perth but are regulars in making the trek across the Nullarbor, notwithstanding missing the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show with the complications presented by COVID-19 and border restrictions.

The company are Australia’s sole importer and distributor of TATRA Trucks, the renowned heavy duty off-road vehicle produced in the Czech Republic.

The truck’s builders have a webpage dedicated to explaining how Larry brought the TATRA brand to “the distant Australian continent”:

“The story of TATRA vehicles in Australia began in 1998 when a local truck enthusiast and driver first learned about the TATRA brand through a newspaper article.

“Larry Gill was so impressed by the concept of the unique TATRA chassis that he called Kopřivnice directly. After a series of calls he came to Kopřivnice personally.

“There, he ordered his first demonstration vehicle for Australia. At the same time, his company Offroad Trucks Australia became TATRA’s representative for the region of Australia and Oceania.”

The trucks have proven to be particularly popular in Australia’s toughest conditions servicing the mining industry, emergency services, outback tourism and remote communities services.

Larry’s daughter Amber Gaden has been the Managing Director of Offroad Trucks Australia for the last three years.

On behalf of the HVIA Directors, staff and all our members, we take this opportunity to express our sincere condolences to Amber, Larry’s widow Gerry and the whole Gill family.