Trucking magnate Allan Scott dies
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Allan Scott pictured at a recent function (User Submitted)
Trucking magnate Allan Scott has died, aged 85.
One of the executors of Mr Scott's estate, Tony Johnson, says he died peacefully early today at Mount Gambier Hospital.
Mr Johnson says Mr Scott had been in Adelaide's Ashford Hospital for the past four months but was moved to Mount Gambier last week.
Mr Scott founded a company that spread Australia-wide.
He originally wanted to be a farmer but, after spending much of his World War II army service driving trucks, decided that was better.
"I said 'Well I was never going to work for anybody again', I was going to work for myself and of course a lot of my mates laughed at me and said 'Well we'll see what happens'," he said.
Mr Scott started at Milang with one truck and bought more vehicles as he got more work.
He sold up and moved to Mount Gambier in 1952 and his business continued to grow.
Mr Scott always maintained a hands-on approach and had interests extending far beyond transport to the media, hotels, farms, real estate, racehorses and football.
Mr Scott is survived by a son, three daughters and his wife, Grace.
Sponsorship
The South Australian Jockey Club chairman, John Naffine, says Mr Scott's contribution to racing in the state was much more than financial.
"He's been very important not only to the jockey club of course, but he's been an outstanding entrepreneur for the whole South Australia and to the breeding industry and racing industry throughout South Australia," he said.
"It was one of his great passions. We're very grateful and proud that Morphettville bears his name and I think that is gonna be something for the future that his family will enjoy."
Port Adelaide Football Club president Greg Boulton says Mr Scott's sponsorship and generosity were vital in helping the Power enter the AFL.
"Allan came on board at that time, he wanted to assist us," he said.
"Without that initial support, that then grew on to him being a joint major sponsor and joint patron, helped us with starting our admin and rehab facility that we call the Allan Scott Power Headquarters, without that we just wouldn't be where we are.
"You know, we are forever grateful."
Long-time friend and former business colleague Graeme Gilbertson says Mr Scott was a shining example of a self-made businessman.
"I guess the thing that I remember most is his thirst and quest for action, often he would bypass the lawyers and accountants and quickly sum up a situation by gut feel," he said.
"Allan never went to school beyond grade 7, yet he could outshine most of us."
South Australian Premier Mike Rann says Mr Scott's death marks the end of an extraordinary life.
"He started with one truck and built a massive trucking empire across Australia and New Zealand," he said.
"He was also of course someone who's generosity knew no bounds, both in terms of massive support for charities over many, many years and also for his enormous support for sport."
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