TORONTO –

The Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario announced earlier this week that longtime executive director Bob Beattie has died.

Beattie helped found the organization nearly three decades ago and was credited for being a major catalyst toward is growth over the past 28 years.

“Bob was a respected and influential figure in Ontario’s motor vehicle sales industry,” UCDA said in a statement, noting that he and six other used-car dealers launched the organization in 1984.

The association added. “He led the UCDA over three decades through every important development in the Ontario used vehicle industry, working tirelessly with government, regulators, and other industry stakeholders on behalf of Ontario motor vehicle dealers.”

The statement went on to note that because of Beattie’s efforts, the used-car business had a presence in the formation and implementation of industry self-management in 1996 as well as the new Motor Vehicle Dealers Act regulations that became effective two years ago.

“The importance of Bob Beattie to this association, and the significance of his loss to Ontario’s motor vehicle sales industry, cannot be overstated,” UCDA said. “Bob will be sorely missed, but the association which he tirelessly built will carry on to continue his vision of enhancing the used-vehicle industry in Ontario.”

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday. More information can be found at www.ucda.org.