Taps for Former Association Chairman–Charlie Hewitt

Charlie Hewitt, a veteran of the automotive aftermarket, an avid trumpet player, and former chairman of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada, has passed away.
Hewitt, who owned Gorge Auto Supply in Victoria, B.C., served as chairman of the industry’s national association from 1988 to 1989.
It was during his tenure at the AIA that the association was able to obtain its first Permit of Exemption for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods and that the first correspondence course on the topic was developed.
Also during his time as chairman, the AIA staff managed the Canadian International Automotive Show for the first time. Records were set for attendance that year. In addition, the association launched its first version of the Car Maintenance in Canada Report in 1988.
Charlie Hewitt began his 50-year automotive aftermarket career as an apprentice machinist. Following a period in the electronics wholesaling industry, he opened Gorge Auto Supply in 1979.
"As a small businessman, Charlie understood the value of the association for jobbers," says AIA president Ray Datt. "Charlie was a wonderful individual and the aftermarket will miss him dearly," says Datt.
In addition to his passion for the automotive aftermarket, Charlie was an avid boating enthusiast and, as mentioned, a trumpet player.
In addition to his four-year term on the AIA Executive Committee, progressing from 2nd vice chairman to 1st vice-chairman to chairman and then immediate past chairman, Hewitt was an active AIA volunteer in many other areas. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the Vancouver Island Division of AIA.