History

AUTOMOTIVE FELLOWSHIP SOCIETY

1960-2018

Back in the early 1960’s; two distinguished pioneers of the Automotive Aftermarket, Mr. Cliff Phillips (Perfect Circle Inc.) and Mr. Bill Cowell (RAYBESTOS Inc.) were successful in gathering a number of senior statesmen together for a dinner at the Chateau Frontenac, in Quebec City.

The concept was to bring together gentlemanly competitors from every phase of the industry, for an evening of good fun and uninhibited frivolity. Invited (only) guests would also include those associated with the original Jobber Organization dating back to the 1930’s, dating back to the 1930’s, known as the Canadian Automotive Wholesalers Association. This gathering was then named, “The Automotive Fellowship Society.” (AFS)

In 1964, this event became the “Annual Reunion and Dinner of the Automotive Fellowship Society” which coincided with the annual Automotive Industries Association (AIA) convention. A small committee was formed to assist in organizing the annual gathering; and reviewing new candidate applications in which membership was sought by many; but attained by very few each year. Original members of the AFS committee included Nedge Hardy (McQuay Norris); Doug Peacock (RAYBESTOS); Ken Jackson (Jackson Supply) and Dave Gardiner (York Auto Supply) along with Cliff Phillips and Bill Cowell.

Certain rules and guidelines were set in place; such as the committee formed would have no rules and regulations. Deliberations, decisions and annual meetings would be kept secret. No financial accounting would be made to anyone outside themselves. Any income, if any, would be dedicatedly devoted to the purchase of gastronomical delights and beverages for AFS Members at each annual reunion.

There would be no rules; no dues; no Board of Directors; no By-Laws; No lofty aims; No Guests; and really, not much sense.

Members would be under the employ of an Automotive Company; and advanced to a position of high authority; with a minimum 25 years of service. Members are mandated to respond to the annual reunion advisory (attend/not attend) and if there is no reply; those Members are transferred to an inactive list. Inactive listed Members can only be reactivated by applying in writing to a Member(s) of the committee at the AFS headquarters.

Further and on occasion the AFS needs funds, as rarely does the dinner fee cover all costs because of uncontrolled and gluttonous behavior of attendees. From time to time, the Committee will send a “Wheedle” letter requesting equalized donations to compensate for overages. Historically, most of the AFS Members are most generous. Those that feel no compulsion to contribute; will be embarrassed in front of the entire body of the membership at the annual event.

Let it suffice for the record, the AFS is an exclusive, intimate institution which has lived over the years due to friendship and fellowship because of Members presence at annual reunions. If each reunion is successful, no one really cares about the cost. But due to the indiscretion and inexperience of the Committee, the AFS usually ends up with a small deficit.

Greg Stone (Chairman) and George Clark (Secretary) 1993-2009

Greg Stone (Chairman) and John Vanstone (Secretary) 2010-2018