He built a business empire from the ground up but will likely be best known for the size of his heart and how much he cared for his community. Wesley Armour died on Sept. 26 at the age of 81 in Halifax. He was the owner of Armour Transportation Systems, a top ten carrier in Canada with more than 2,000 employees, 4,000 pieces of equipment and 26 terminals across Atlantic Canada. According to his obituary, Armour grew up on the family farm in Taylor Village, N.B., and after graduating from business college in 1966 he joined G.M. Armour and Son, the family company. It had 10 trucks and 11 employees, a far cry from the massive fleet it would eventually become. Armour was married to his wife Pat for 59 years. The pair created the Wesley and Patricia Armour Foundation to help support many not-for-profit organizations and to give back to the area that supported him throughout his life. Mike Timani is the president and CEO of the Fancy Pokket Corporation, another very successful Moncton-based business. Timani’s son Nader is married to Armour’s daughter Victoria. “He was an incredible businessman,” said Timani. Timani recalled a story of when the fledgling company needed a loan because their own bank turned them down. Armour convinced his father to cross the street and try another bank where they received the money needed to keep the company afloat. “This is where it started and Wes took it from there,” said Timani. “He built an empire, built a really large empire. It’s amazing for someone who almost went into bankruptcy.” His accomplishments are staggering. Armour’s many honours included being named as one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada, the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and the Builder of Youth Lifetime Achievement Award from the Boys and Girls Club of Moncton. He was also a member of the Order of Canada, an Officer of the Order of New Brunswick and a recipient of the Order of Moncton. As a person, Timani said Armour was incredibly kind and gentle. “He cares for people,” said Timani. “He looked after his employees.” And he also looked after those in need. Timani said Armour gave millions of dollars to organizations and his heart was always open. “Wes went way beyond what many other businesses would do,” said Timani. “He started very small, basically almost poor, but he was giving. He was giving to everyone.” Armour’s obituary states donations in his memory can be made to The Boys and Girls Clubs of Moncton, Dieppe or Riverview, Atlantic Wellness, or another charity. Atlantic Wellness executive director Andrew LeBlanc said Armour was committed to making a difference in the lives of other people. “He really believed in supporting youth mental health, in particular he believed in the work that we were doing and was instrumental in the growth we’ve seen as an organization. Expanding the services, providing more therapy hours to young people. He was a platinum donor to our organization who made the work that we do possible,” said LeBlanc. LeBlanc said Armour was hands on and not just a silent donor. “He really cared about the work that he did in the community, and so not only did he donate, but he attended events, he came to the centre, he wanted to see the impact of the work that he did. The Armours are just tremendous community champions for wanting to be involved,” said LeBlanc. Gilles Gallant of BGC Moncton called Armour a “legendary entrepreneur” and the organization will always be grateful to the foundation for the financial support needed for extensive renovations in 2007. “In the run of a year, we have over 5,000 kids who come through our door. So, donations from people like Wes really help us to keep doing the work that we do,” said Gallant. Armour was also a longtime member of Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton. Chamber CEO Kim Wilson once went on a business trade mission to Europe with Armour and had fond memories of their travels. “I got to see first-hand the businessman who leads with integrity, treated everyone with respect and really cared about the community of Greater Moncton and gave so much back to this community through many efforts and philanthropy,” said Wilson. “He believed that a strong business leader has a responsibility to give back to the community. He did that in so many ways.” Armour sold his company to Seaboard Transportation Group when he retired in 2021. Along with his wife Pat, he leaves behind his son Ralston, daughter Victoria, three grandchildren, sister Bernice, many other family members and too many friends to count. A third child, Angus, died in 2010. His obituary states Pat was beside him through the tough early years of the business, then through success and eventually Alzheimer’s, never leaving her husband’s side. Timani said there was a strong bond between the two families and Armour adored his grandchildren. “They all loved him, and he loved them,” said Timani. “We all value our families.” It’s been a hard week for the family, Timani said, especially for his wife Pat. “He passed away peacefully and it’s better for him,” said Timani. “They’re doing fine, but it’s not easy on them.” The public is welcome to celebrate Armour’s incredible life on Oct. 5 at the Tidal Church in Moncton from 4 to 7 p.m. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
