30/04/2026
It is with sadness that we share the passing of John de Bruyn (1944–2026), who passed away last week.
John’s story is closely tied to the early foundations of our business. In 1953, his father Cornelius de Bruyn established C De Bruyn’s Transport, based out of Launceston. In 1965, Cornelius went on to purchase West Coast Transport in Burnie, supporting the region’s mining and sawmilling industries. John moved with his young family to Burnie to manage the operation, taking on the responsibility of running the business during those formative years.
He remained in that role until 1978, when Bert de Bruyn and John Snr and their families relocated from the Netherlands and purchased the business from Cornelius and his sons, John and Jack.
Following this, John returned to Launceston where he established his own earthmoving venture. Known for being hardworking and mechanically minded, these qualities were evident throughout his time at West Coast Transport and carried through into his later work.
He will be remembered as someone who played a meaningful role in shaping the early direction of our company, and whose contribution remains part of the story we carry forward today.
Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him 🤍