John Hotson RIP
 

It is with great regret that I inform the MV community of the passing of John Hotson of St Marys Ontario, on April 30, he was 91. He was a history buff, tinkerer, fabricator and farmer who built canoes, boats and restored army trucks in his spare time. He was married to his wife Irene for 64 years, and they always made visitors welcome at their farm. I first met John 35 years ago when he and his wife and family friends would come shopping for CMP parts at my family home, driving his custom made and camouflage painted 6x6 van. The outing usually ended at the local fish and chip store just down the street. I visited his home many times and John would assist me with my latest project, providing advice, assistance and often extra parts or just talk army trucks. He was a talented, generous and curious minded individual who was much loved by family and friends. I will miss him!
You can search up his obit at hodgesfuneralhome.ca

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John
 

I had the good fortune of meeting John and Irene and visits with them always meant a cup of tea and a chat. I think Bob has described John very well, he will be missed.

RIP John
 

I met John a few years ago and found him to be a true gentleman. He was clever and hardworking, and mastered any task he thought to take on. In the picture John is on the far right with one of his trucks.

My condolences to the family.

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RIP Mr Hotson
 

Somehow I missed this but I was triggered when I heard some of Mr Hotson's trucks are coming onto the market.

I had the pleasure of meeting him back in 2007 when I was visiting Canada and Stewart took me on a tour to visit CMP afficionados. Mr Hotson came across as an honest and hard working man. Mr Hotson on the left in front of his C30, with Stewart on the right:
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Being a "farmer-engineer", he made some interesting conversions to adapt his trucks to modern traffic. New Michelin 9.00-16 tyres were apparent, but also things like a modern brake booster and updated wiring system:
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Gordon Yeo posted a pic of his F60H in the thread on Bill Gregg's F60H. Apparently both of these came out of the same yard.
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Jack Fouracre has put three of John’s trucks for sale: the F60H, C15A WIRE and F15A.

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He found this MLU sign in the back of one of the trucks. Nice one, Mr Hotson :thup:

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disposal
 

I've been in contact with Jack Fouracre who lives in Stratford, ON. As much as I haven't kicked the tires on a CMP in years and will be 2-hrs drive away next weekend, I'm having a hard time justifying another old truck in the yard. My dog and I had that conversation last night. If you are on FB, he's got some beautiful photos up on his page. No prices mentioned.

Edited to add -

He has a price of C$20k on each to start the conversation. I mentioned putting them on Kijiji with a stinky high price to see if someone new comes along. He knows about 'Bring A Trailer' so, we'll see what develops.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars...red/1623315173

Does anyone know the origin of the F60H body? Is it scratchbuilt....or is it a modified Diamond T 975 unit?

The cab 13 Ford is listed as a "C30". Apart from the small mistake with the "C" in stead of an "F", the wheelbase looks a bit short for a 30cwt(?) I wonder if it could be an F15A with a body in 30CWT GS style?

edit: I see Hanno has already identified it as an F15A above!

I am not sure Alex, but I think it fits the F60H well.

I see this is still for sale: http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=33646. Note: I have no connection with Jack but I have had the pleasure of meeting John Hotson, the man who restored this F60H.

It is worth mentioning this is one of only a handful of F60H which are surviving, let alone in restored and running condition. John made some improvements to his trucks to improve drive ability. If you want a totally original trucks these improvements could be reversed, but if I were to buy it I would use it as is. Would be great if other collectors and the general public could see this rare type out and about.