In Memory of Paul Howard
We mark one year since we lost our Co-Founder, colleague, mentor, and great friend, Paul Howard.
Born in 1954, Paul lived life exactly as he wanted to: full throttle, always moving forward, and never afraid to take the road less travelled. A true free spirit, he embraced life with energy, determination, and an unmistakable sense of adventure.
In the early 1980s, Paul began a career in the crane rail industry that would span more than four decades. During those years, he forged a lasting friendship and professional partnership with Tony Sysum. Together, they built a reputation for hard work, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to getting the job done.
In 1993, Paul and Tony took a leap of faith and founded Rapid Rail. From humble beginnings, they built a business that has become a respected name throughout the industry. The foundations of Rapid Rail were built on the values Paul held dear: honesty, loyalty, hard work, and always doing what you say you will do.
Paul was a force of nature. Tough, hardworking, and straight-talking, he never believed in sugar-coating the truth. He set high standards, expected the best from those around him, and was always prepared to roll up his sleeves and lead from the front. Yet behind that tough exterior was a fiercely loyal friend who would always stand by his team when it mattered most.
Outside of work, Paul had a passion for life's finer things. He loved fast cars, powerful engines, and anything that combined performance with quality craftsmanship. He enjoyed travelling the world, particularly through his work, embracing opportunities to experience different places, cultures, and people. For Paul, work was never simply a job. It was an adventure and a chance to build relationships that often became lifelong friendships.
Anyone who knew Paul will remember his collection of memorable sayings and one-liners that could make people laugh, think, and occasionally wince. His unique outlook on life, paired with his direct approach, meant there was never any doubt about where you stood. Those phrases, stories, and words of wisdom remain woven into the fabric of Rapid Rail today and are often repeated with a smile by those who knew him best.
In his later years, Paul faced the immense challenge of a degenerative illness that gradually forced him to step back from the day-to-day running of the business. True to his character, however, he never truly stepped away. He remained passionate about Rapid Rail and deeply invested in its future, continuing to offer guidance, encouragement, and support whenever he could.
One year ago today, Paul lost his battle with that illness and finally laid down the burdens he had carried with such courage and determination. His passing left a void that can never truly be filled, but his legacy lives on in the company he helped create, the industry he helped shape, and the countless lives he touched along the way.
To many of us, Paul was far more than a Co-Founder or employer. He was a friend, a mentor, a trusted advisor, and for some, family. His influence can still be felt every day: in the values that guide our business, the standards we set ourselves, and the stories we continue to share.
Today, we remember Paul not with sadness alone, but with gratitude. Gratitude for his friendship, his leadership, his humour, and the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.
Paul Howard (1954-2025)
"Gone, but never forgotten."
