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Merit award for bus driver who freed two women from smoking wreck to be given to his young son

Mar 14, 2008 04:30 AM
Noor Javed
Staff Reporter


A bus driver known for his "selfless attitude" who pulled two elderly women from a damaged vehicle last summer – then went back to get their purses – was proud to be honoured for his bravery by the TTC.

But before he could receive the Award of Merit, Carlos Infante, 41, died Feb. 27 after a four-month battle with cancer – just two days before the ceremony.

The TTC plans to present the award to his 9-year-old son Thomas on the driver's behalf.

"We're still getting over his death," said Greg Woolvett, his stepfather. "He was a brave man, in life and (facing) death – that's why this award is even more meaningful to us," he said.

Infante was driving his bus on an Etobicoke route when he spotted a car that had smacked into a pole. The car's engine was smoking and the flustered women were trapped inside.

The driver's cool handling of the situation to free the occupants – and save their purses – came to the attention of the TTC.

Infante was called by a manager in October and told he'd be receiving the award.

"He was so proud," said his wife Helen Antonik. "He was happy to be recognized, although he really thought it was just part of the job."

Last summer, before his diagnosis, was an exciting time for the family, she said. They had just had a baby girl, Sophia, an event Infante had always dreamed about.

"When I was pregnant, he said to me, `I know it's a girl.' He was so sure ... and when it was, he was so happy."

Infante had always wanted a big family, a factor in his decision to join the TTC seven years ago after years of driving trucks. "He wanted to find something more steady," said Antonik.

Her husband was a "people person" and public transit suited his outgoing personality, she said, adding that he quickly made friends as well within the TTC.

"At his visitation and funeral, they sent a TTC bus from his division all the way out to Brampton, filled with friends and colleagues, " she said.

While Infante worked in the city, his heart was in the country, said Antonik. "He loved Muskoka, bought a cottage there when he was just 19," he said.

"He loved taking Thomas there. They would go fishing, swim and spend so much time together."

Infante's death has been difficult for their son, she says. "He doesn't really understand what has happened."

"But he knows about the award, and what it means," she said.

The TTC have yet to finalize a new date for the awards ceremony.