Highway Thru Hell Cast Members Who Have Passed Away

Highway Thru Hell is a Canadian reality television series that documents the high‑risk world of towing and recovery in British Columbia. The show primarily follows Jamie Davis Heavy Rescue, along with other regional companies, as they work to clear wrecks, recover disabled transport trucks, and keep critical routes such as the Coquihalla Highway open during the brutal Canadian winters. Since its premiere in 2012, the program has built a strong international following, admired for its authentic portrayal of dangerous recovery work and the seasoned operators who risk their lives to perform it.

As the series grew in popularity, its cast became familiar names to audiences across Canada and abroad. But tragedy has also touched the Highway Thru Hell family over the years. Several cast members and individuals associated with the program have passed away, leaving behind legacies of service to the towing industry and lasting memories for colleagues, fans, and their communities. This article pays tribute to those lives, their careers, and the impact they had both on and off screen.

Bob Quiring (Passed September 25, 2023)

Bob Quiring (July 2, 1944 – September 25, 2023) was a central figure in the Fraser Valley towing industry and a cornerstone of the Quiring family, well known to viewers of Highway Thru Hell. He was the father of Al Quiring, owner of Quiring Towing, and the grandfather of Lucas Quiring and Carry Quiring, both of whom have carried forward the family’s towing legacy.

Bob married Pamela in 1962, and together they built a life centered around family and the towing business. In the 1960s he hauled mobile homes across British Columbia, Alberta, and even Alaska, sometimes with his wife Pam or his brother Ed driving the pilot car. By the late 1960s, the Quiring family business—originally Quiring Motors—had grown into a trusted name in Aldergrove, British Columbia. Bob contributed heavily to its operations, particularly the towing side of the company, which he and Pamela eventually took over after Elmer and Ann Quiring’s retirement in 1975.

Alongside towing, Bob dedicated over 30 years of service as a Captain with the Aldergrove Volunteer Fire Department. His combined work as a firefighter and tower reflected his lifelong commitment to community service. The Quiring company under Bob’s guidance gained a reputation for reliability, honesty, and professionalism, becoming one of the first towing companies to contract with ICBC when the crown insurer was formed in 1973.

Although his appearances on Highway Thru Hell were limited compared to Al, his influence was evident as part of the generational roots of Quiring Towing. His knowledge and leadership supported challenging recoveries, such as logging trucks down steep embankments and complex rescue work in the Fraser Valley and northern BC.

Bob passed away peacefully on September 25, 2023, at the age of 79, surrounded by his family. In a moving tribute, his grandson Carry Quiring remembered him as a loving grandfather, father, husband, and mentor. He recalled cherished memories such as earning his first $100 from Bob after washing a trailer, learning the tricks of heavy towing, and being taught that hard work and dedication always pay off. Carrington’s words reflected not only Bob’s technical expertise but also his role in shaping future generations of towers: “Thank you for always pushing me to do better and shaping me into the man I am today, I will continue to make you proud. You will always keep trucking along in our hearts.”

In keeping with Bob’s wishes, no formal service was held. Instead, the family announced that a tow truck procession will be organized in the spring to honor his life and legacy. Donations were requested to the Langley Hospice Society in lieu of flowers.

Bob Quiring’s contributions to the towing industry, his service as a firefighter, and his role in shaping the Quiring family business remain an enduring part of both the Quiring Towing legacy and the wider Highway Thru Hell story.

Ken “Monkey” Monkhouse (Died May 24, 2020)

Perhaps the most widely mourned loss from the show was Ken Monkhouse, known affectionately as “Monkey.” He passed away suddenly from a heart attack on May 24, 2020, at his home in British Columbia.

Ken Monkhouse was a Canadian tow truck operator whose career spanned several decades in the Hope, British Columbia region. Over the years, he worked with Mission Towing, Mario’s Towing, and also appeared on Highway Thru Hell while operating with Jamie Davis Heavy Rescue. At the time of his passing in 2020, he was employed with Mario’s Towing in Hope. His long career across these respected companies established him as a highly experienced and trusted figure in the Fraser Valley towing industry.

Beyond his technical skill, Ken was loved for his quirky personality, his devotion to family, his affection for his cats, and his pride in his classic Buick. Viewers appreciated the way he blended humour with professionalism, often lightening tense roadside recoveries with a smile or witty remark.

Tributes from the production team described him as “a wonderful and compassionate man, with a great sense of humour,” while Jamie Davis Towing remembered him as “an amazing guy, great work ethic and a good friend.” The official Highway Thru Hell page also called him a man with a “big heart,” urging fans to respect his family’s privacy. Fans poured out condolences online, with many remembering him as the heart of the show. One touching comment summed up the grief felt in the towing community: “Rest in peace Ken, we will drag your chains from here.”

Wally Duperon Sr. (Passed January 2022)

Another deeply felt loss was Walter “Wally” Francis Duperon Sr., the patriarch of Mission Towing and father of operator Ken Duperon. Born on August 2, 1931, in Darmody, Saskatchewan, to Ambrose and Phyllis Duperon, Wally moved with his family to Mission, British Columbia, in 1943. There, the family established roots in the Fraser Valley.

In 1954, Wally and his family co‑founded Mission Auto Wrecking, which later became Mission Towing. He took on day‑to‑day operations and grew the company into a respected name in the towing industry. Married to Catherine Joy in 1953, Wally balanced his dedication to the business with raising his family.

Affectionately called “Grandpa,” Wally was not a front‑line tower but often appeared around the yard during filming of Highway Thru Hell, offering support to his son Ken and the Mission Towing crew. Credited on the show as himself, he became known as the cheerful elder statesman of the yard. Colleagues and viewers remarked that he enjoyed being part of the show and often stole the spotlight with his warm demeanor.

Wally passed away on January 6, 2022, in Burnaby, British Columbia, at the age of 90. Tributes remembered him for his humor, warmth, and the foundational role he played in building Mission Towing’s legacy in the Fraser Valley. On behalf of the Duperon family, it was announced that a private service would be held due to COVID‑19 restrictions, with a Celebration of Life planned for the spring. The family also shared that a tow truck procession would take place on the day of the celebration, giving colleagues and friends the opportunity to honor his life and legacy. They expressed gratitude for the many thoughts and prayers received during that time.

Phil Renaud (Passed November 2019)

Philippe “Phil” N. Renaud (June 6, 1958 – November 6, 2019) was a veteran tow operator and community first responder from Princeton, British Columbia. Over a 35‑year career in the transport and towing industry—including time as a driver for ERB Transport—he became the manager of Mario’s Towing in Princeton and served as a volunteer firefighter and member of the Princeton Highway Rescue team.

Renaud gained public recognition through his appearance on Highway Thru Hell Season 3, where he was featured as part of Mario’s Towing’s operations in the Fraser Valley. Viewers came to know him for his approachable demeanor and professionalism, qualities that reflected his decades of experience in both towing and emergency response.

Phil’s Celebration of Life was held at the Princeton Volunteer Fire Hall. He arrived aboard his own tow truck, and his ashes were carried inside by his son Chris. The service included an honor guard of firefighters, RCMP in dress uniform, and a procession of tow and rescue vehicles. His turnout gear was displayed at the entrance, underscoring his dual commitment to towing and firefighting.

Robin McArthur (Passed July 2014)

Robin Malcolm McArthur (July 28, 1953 – July 26, 2014) was a Canadian mechanic and community volunteer from Hope, British Columbia, recognized for his association with the reality TV series Highway Thru Hell. McArthur passed away at Cascade Hospice in Chilliwack on July 26, 2014, after battling pancreatic cancer, which was the confirmed cause of his death.

McArthur spent much of his life in Hope, where he operated from his Barn workshop and developed a reputation for being able to repair almost anything. He worked in mechanical services and also operated his own company, All 4 Services, providing mobile support for vehicles in the Fraser Valley.

In addition to his professional work, McArthur volunteered for nearly 40 years with the Hope Volunteer Search and Rescue, contributing to emergency responses and helping to save lives. This long service earned him recognition in his community as a dependable first responder.

On Highway Thru Hell and around the Mission and Hope towing yards, he was occasionally seen offering assistance and advice, particularly to younger operators. He was described as approachable and supportive, known for sharing knowledge and technical skills.

A Celebration of Life took place in Hope on July 31, 2014, beginning with a procession to the Curling Club and followed by a community gathering. The event included friends, colleagues, and members of the search and rescue team, honoring his decades of work in both towing support and volunteer service.

Bruce Hardy (1956 – October 10, 2014)

Bruce “Crazy Horse” Hardy (June 1, 1956 – October 10, 2014) was a Canadian heavy rescue driver best known for his appearances in the early seasons of the hit reality TV series Highway Thru Hell. As part of Jamie Davis Heavy Rescue, Hardy appeared in Season 1 and Season 2, where his technical skills, calm demeanor, and decades of industry experience made him a valued member of the recovery team and a familiar face to fans.

Hardy built a strong reputation in the British Columbia towing and recovery industry long before his time on television. Colleagues knew him as a dependable operator who wasn’t afraid to tackle the toughest jobs. His legendary blue truck became a recognizable sight on the mountain passes, where he handled some of the most dangerous recovery operations in treacherous conditions. Even though his on-screen appearances were fewer compared to other cast members, his impact on the industry and respect among peers was undeniable.

After stepping away from heavy rescue, Hardy refused to give up life behind the wheel. In the spring of 2014, he joined West Coast Amusements to continue driving, a passion he carried until his final months. That May, during surgery, doctors discovered advanced cancer and informed him that treatment was not possible. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Hardy pushed forward, staying with West Coast Amusements nearly until the end of the season. Friends and family noted that he never complained about his pain and faced his illness with quiet resilience and remarkable dignity.

Bruce Hardy passed away on October 10, 2014, at the age of 58. The Highway Thru Hell production team honored him in October 2014, writing that he “will never be replaced” and highlighting how much he gave to both the towing industry and the people he helped. The outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and fellow operators reflected just how respected and loved he was within the community.

Today, Bruce Hardy is remembered as more than just a cast member—he is celebrated as a dedicated professional whose contributions to heavy rescue left a lasting mark. His story continues to inspire both the towing community and viewers of Highway Thru Hell, serving as a reminder of the grit, risks, and heart behind the industry.