Dan Scrivens, founder of Central Auto Parts Distributors, one of western Canada’s leading aftermarket organizations, has passed away January 14 at the age of 94.

Scrivens, born in Alberta, cut his teeth in automotive as a mechanic in the British Army after his family had been forced back to Wales by the depression. He took those skills back home to Calgary where he met his wife Barbara at the Daimler dealership where they both found work after the WWII.

After a series of ventures in the service sector, he opened his first Bumper to Bumper store with Barbara in 1975. The business expanded steadily over the next several years, building on his values of honesty, fairness and exceptional customer service.

They became shareholders in the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance in 1996, changed the store identity to Auto Value Parts Stores, and became a cornerstone of that distribution organization as it grew in Canada.

Today that single store has grown with family participation to become Auto Value Parts Stores with a dozen stores and a distribution centre.

He eventually retired at age 85, and he and Barbara traveled extensively. Dan was friendly and outgoing, and had an incredibly sharp and curious mind. He talked with genuine interest to all who crossed his path. He was an avid curler and skier, and enjoyed card playing. Exercise was a big part of his daily routine, but most of all he was a devoted family man.

Even after he handed the reigns to son Darrell in 1996, he remained connected to the business and the industry as an active member of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

He was a dedicated husband to Barbara for 66 years, and father to six children: Wayne, Janice, Darrell, Adrian, Lauren White and Gail Pelland. He was also grandfather to 16 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

The family requested donations to veteransfoodbankofcalgary.ca or to a charity of your choice.