WATERLOO — One year after the death of Willow Brae’s founding matriarch, the family owned company has planted a Willow Tree on the front lawn of the property at 3 Bast Place in Waterloo. “This is a time to remember and honour a very special woman who was a strong supporter in the start up and establishment of Willow Brae Pallets back in the early 70’s” said Willow Brae president Robert Weber. Weber’s mother, Pat, passed away December 10, 2014.
Willow Brae Pallets was founded by John Weber back in 1972 when farming grew increasingly difficult and other forms of income were needed to subsidize farming. “Pat did what she could to help out. She would take a hammer and straighten out old nails to help save money. I even remember her driving a pick up truck loaded with pallets to Waterloo to deliver to a customer” founder, John Weber recalled. In 1998, the company moved from the family farm and continues to operate on the outskirts of Waterloo. “My mother was always there to support us. Even as the pallet business grew and her view of farmland from the kitchen window was distorted by piles of pallets, she was always positive.” Weber commented.
The company’s name was inspired by a large old Willow Tree that stood majestically on the home farm. Robert and his wife Cheryl, who now own and operate the pallet recycling operation, thought it was fitting to have a Willow tree take root on the current property. Cheryl Weber stated, “We have an affinity for the Willow tree here at Willow Brae. It carries a lot of meaning. It is our company symbol and now it will stand in front of our building to represent and honour Willow Brae’s heritage our founders.”
Staff, family and friends gathered at the facility on December 10th to erect the tree and remember Pat Weber and the important supportive role that she played in the founding of Willow Brae Pallets.
Willow Brae Pallets has been recycling wooden pallets since 1972. Willow Brae specializes in custom built pallets, new and recycled pallets. Willow Brae operates with a strong focus on customer service and the traditional values of conservation and preservation that were at the core of Willow Brae’s inception.