Kingsley Bowley – Always No. 1 at Whiteline Transport

Well known and respected transport identity Kingsley Bowley will be greatly missed by everyone at Whiteline Transport and the greater transport community who were lucky enough to know him.

The 67-year-old, affectionately known as Kingy – or No.1 around the Whiteline Transport yard in Adelaide made his final weekly run from Perth on March 3rd and Whiteline Transport director Sharon Middleton says Kingy passed away suddenly and, peacefully.

“His passing has been a devastating blow and has left everyone who knew the much-loved truckie with a heavy heart,” says Sharon.

“For 18 years Kingy has been an important, dependable and much loved team member at Whiteline. His larger than life personality, his sense of humour and enormous heart has left a huge hole in our business and our hearts. We will never forget him and will miss him every day.

“Kingy was integral to our business and in those 18 years he clocked up over four million kilometres of safe, incident free travel driving solo between our Adelaide and Perth depots.

“He loved trucking and accumulated many lifelong friends on the roads he travelled over the years. He always had a story to tell.

“Prior to working with us at Whiteline, he was one of Georgie’s boys and could always be relied on - he was a true professional.

“Kingy was deeply loyal to Whiteline Transport and anyone will tell you that he loved his role here and it made his day when he was given a brand new shiny silver Cascadia to drive – a truck that he said would see him at Whiteline for another ten years. Every time he climbed into the cab of this truck, you could not wipe the smile off his face,” says Sharon.

Sharon posted the sad news of Kingy’s passing on the company’s Facebook Page sparking an outpouring of condolences from Kingy’s many friends and industry peers.

George Vithoulkas said, “RIP my good friend of 40 years. The road won’t be the same without you.”

Maree Nadi of Mundrabilla Roadhouse said, “RIP Kingy from all of us. Make sure they do your poached eggs the right way up there - a great bloke you will be missed by so many.”

Steve Shearer, head of the South Australian Road Transport Association said, “The tragic news knocked the breath out of me. Kingy Bowley was one of the greats of the industry. A true professional and a great character who looked out for and cared for everyone on the road. His engaging smile seldom left his face and then only briefly. You will be missed immeasurably Kingy, and for all the best reasons.”

Sharon Middleton concluded with sending love and support to Kingy’s family.

“Rest peacefully Kingy with your beloved wife Pauline – you have earned that. Our love and support are with your sons and their families. RIP 'No. 1' - 25/8/53 – 06/03/2021.”