2019
Franklin’s 527 Blue Ridge
Animal, October, 2019
Franklin’s 527 Blue Ridge
Spring on the Franklin Ranch is always a busy time of year with cows calving and a new crop of bucking horses being born. As they hit the ground all stock contractors get that glimmer in there eye “Is that one the next great one” thinking back on there many years of raising great bucking horses. The spring of 1985 was no different for Verne and Shane, little did they know that a grey colt that was one of the 100 or so foals born that spring became the dream of every bareback rider going down the road, tonight we honor him 527 Blue Ridge.
His linage goes back to the hills overlooking Kamloops BC where a wild 2 year old stud was raised then bought by Verne in the spring of 1979 at the Gottfriedson bucking horse sale. His name was Rock Island. His offspring have been the dreams and disappointments of many a bareback rider and bronc rider.
Blue ridge is named after a small hamlet between Whitecourt and Mayerthorpe. When asked Shane said “ when you have around a 100 new ones every year your always looking for good names no matter where you find them even a highway sign”.
Blue Ridge was initially bucked in the bareback riding as 5 year old and soon became a superstar.
Selected to the CFR from 1991-2003, was Bareback Horse of the year in Canada 1995 and 1999, and was voted the best Bareback Horse of the 1996 CFR.
It didn't take the PRCA bareback riders long to recognize the greys ability as they selected him to the NFR from 1992-1999. In 1994 he was voted the 2nd best bareback horse of the NFR and in 1995 voted the 3rd best bareback horse in the world.
Blue Ridge was one of those horses that if you did your job riding him you were in the money and usually at or near the top.
Bill Boyd was 89 on him at Innisfail Pro Rodeo in 1995 which was then the Canadian record, 2 years later Scott Lund was 90 on him at the Falkland Stampede a new Canadian record. Roger La Casse won the Calgary $50,000 bonus on Blue Ridge in 1997 and a year later Chris Harris also won the $50,000 bonus on him.
Shane recalls 2 of the best rides he ever seen on him, Marvin Garrett won a round on him at the NFR, “I cant recall how many points they were but it wasn't enough” states Shane. Another was Davey Shields on Blue Ridge at Merritt BC, “records would of been broken that day” said Shane but Davey received a 0 for failing to spur the horse out.
Blue Ridge was retired after the 2003 CFR and lived out his days at the Franklin Ranch near Bonnyville Alberta with his traveling buddies, Saddle Bags, Sandpaper, and fellow Hall Of Fame members, Kingsway and “the other gray” Airwolf. They rest in peace next to each other.
It is an honor tonight to welcome the newest animal into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, the outstanding bareback horse 527 Blue Ridge from the Franklin Rodeo Company
Spring on the Franklin Ranch is always a busy time of year with cows calving and a new crop of bucking horses being born. As they hit the ground all stock contractors get that glimmer in there eye “Is that one the next great one”. Thinking back, there are many years of raising great bucking horses, and the spring of 1985 was no different for Verne and Shane. Little did they know that a grey colt (one of a 100 or so born that spring) became the dream of every bareback rider going down the road. He’s known as: 527, Blue Ridge.Info
Dr. Gary (Doc) Harbin
Builder, October, 2019
Dr. Gary (Doc) Harbin
Gary Harbin was born June 18, 1945 in Tangleflags, SK. The story goes the community consisted of a church and a school, flying flags of each settler’s country of origin. The flags all became tangled and the farmers all worked together to untangle them. That sense of working together was rooted in Gary. He used to tell his sister “When I group up, I’m gonna own a ranch, have lots of horses, read comic books and eat pork and beans”.
Gary graduated High School at the top of his class, encouraged by his teachers to go to university he saw animal health as a worth choice. So the sale of his grand champion 4H calf opened the door to vet school. While in university he met and married Josephine in 1967. In 1969, Dr. Gary Harbin graduated with distinction, and in April of that year moved to Ponoka, AB. Gary worked under Dr, Andre Leclerq. Two years later, Gary (better known as Doc) bought into the practice, driving a Pontiac Lemans with his vet box in the trunk for his on-call rig.
Doc Harbin never forgot the day Frank Mickey came into his clinic asking him to sit on the board of the Ponoka Stampede Association. Tom Butterfield thought this was a great idea, saying “If we get that vet on board, we won’t have to pay any vet bills”. The answer was easy. In 1974 Doc started by working the back gate, and Tom was right veterinary services for Ponoka Stampede were provided by Doc at no charge for over 25 years. Gary had a personal dream he hadn’t fulfilled yet, and in 1981 he enrolled in Brian Claypool’s Bronc riding school, joined the FCA and competed in Saddle bronc and Team Roping. Later, he was a 35 year old Novice Bronc Rider at Ponoka Stampede.
In 1985, Dr. Harbin ran for committee rep of the CPRA board, a position he would honor until 1991. In part through this role, Gary assisted the CPRA with animal welfare questions. They truly appreciated his quick responses to any concerns. It was obvious he knew a lot about rodeo. The goals he had were not always business as usual, nor were they easily accepted by all, but Doc’s motto was “Don’t quit.. and finish what you start”.
Gary was instrumental in: building Ponoka’s north grandstand, the race track expansion, and the construction of the livestock pens. He was often found feeding livestock at 5am, during Stampede. Doc always put the welfare of the rodeo stock and stock contractors first. With the long score at the timed event end, and multiple contractors at the rough stock end, Ponoka Stampede reached new heights. In 2000, Dr. Harbin was named the CPRA’s Committee Person of the Year. His efforts also won Ponoka the PRCA Remuda Award in 2012. Doc was also a top 5 Finalist for the PRCA’s Veterinarian of the Year award.
A strong believer in keeping rodeo moving forward, Doc was founder and President of the Ponoka Stampede Youth Foundation. A true visionary of the Ponoka Stampede, he would say “a team of good horses can pull a heavy load, but if a team is no good they can’t pull the hat off your head”. Both Ponoka and the CPRA were fortunate to have had him. Dr. Gary Harbin was deeply humbled and moved when he was told of his induction into the Hall of Fame, as a builder. He would say “That’s a real feather in your cap!”. Unfortunately Dr. Gary lost his 4 year battle with cancer and surrounded by family, passed away March 9, 2019.
The kid from Tangleflags, SK grew up to own a ranch and have lots of horses. The comic books were replaced by Louis L’Amour books and although pork and beans were still tasty, they were often replaced by a good steak. We are truly honored to recognize Dr. Gary Harbin as a builder, in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Bob (Flipper) Phipps
Contestant, October, 2019
Bob Phipps
Bob Phipps (Flipper as he’s known by his peers), has been described as many thing. Far more than just a bullrider, he’s undeniably a true cowboy.
Bob began kicking up dust on the rodeo trail as a young teen. After attending rodeos as a child, he and his brother decided to give rodeo a try. He started out steer riding, and followed by bareback riding, but the intrigue of bulls was unshakeable, and by the tender age of 17, he decided that was what he was going to do.
Bob bought his CPRA card in 1973, qualifying in bull riding at the very first Canadian Finals in 1974. He also rode in the PRCA for a number of years, where he enjoyed some success at many rodeos south of the border. His favorite ride was winning Phoenix in 1975 aboard C13 Top Cat. He won both the Southern and Central circuits, riding with great balance and timing. A consistent bullrider, who not only rode well but avoided serious injury throughout his career. He was tough as nails, and a consistent qualifier for the Finals throughout the 70’s, winning the Canadian Bull Riding Championship in 1979.
Flipper was easy going, quiet and had a quick yet dry sense of humor, making him a great traveling partner. He would often show up (riding that day or not), to give his buddies a hand, arriving just in time to pull their ropes and give the bull a jab in the neck, making them snort and sling their heads, then he’d calmly say “Now stay over him, not under him”. Former traveling partner, Bob Robertson tells how in the early 80’s they decided to enter San Antonio. Leaving, Flipper had driven all night. Near daybreak Bob woke to ask how he was doing, and Bob replied “Good, I had a good sleep too!”. Then in true Flipper fashion, he looked at his buddy and asked “what you going to be when you grow up?”…. both were over 30 at the time!
After finishing competition, Bob swapped in his spurs and bull rope for a clipboard and stopwatch, joining the Wrangler Pro Judging team. Well respected at both ends of the arena, he was selected 14 times to judge the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Completing his judging career, Bob remained active in rodeo, serving as General Manager in the Canadian Cowboys Association, for eight years, and Administrator to the CPRA for five years.
Now a days you can find Bob along with his wife, Ronda (who have three children and two grandchildren) around their home in LaRonge, Saskatchewan. Where, when Bob is not working, he’s out hunting, fishing and just loving every day.
There have been many: miles, roles, friendships, stories and accomplishments in Bob’s remarkable journey.He can now add to these accomplishments, as we acknowledge this deserving champion and rodeo contributor as a Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer.
Rod Hay
Contestant, October, 2019
Rod hay
Rod Hay, son of Fred and Sharon Hay was destined to become a cowboy. It was all he and his brother Denny (2017 inductee) ever wanted to do. His dad was a Saddle Bronc rider, and the family would go to rodeos nearly every weekend. “We knew we wanted to rodeo and we knew we wanted to be cowboys”, Rod said. No one would have guessed that the kid from Mayerthorpe, AB who started riding steers in 1982, would one day be considered one of the best in the world…over decades!
Too young and small to be the bull rider he wanted to be, Rod’s itch to stay involved after steer riding set him up to pursue bronc riding. Crowned Canadian Novice Saddle Bronc Champion in 1988, Rod took off January 1st, 1989 in pursuit of success, which he found by year-end, as the CPRA Permit award winner and PRCA Rookie of the year. Rod continued to win many rodeos and awards in the years that followed, including the 2006 Guy Weadick Memorial Award, and CPRA Cowboy of the Year in 2014. His first Canadian Bronc Riding championship came in 1990, with follow-up wins in 1992 and 1993. 1994 was a big year for the young cowboy. In July, one of his favorite rides on Kingsway, earned him is first of 4 Calgary Stampede Saddle Bronc titles. On September 11th, 1994 he married his “little buttercup” Shelly, adding the title of husband to his wins, followed by a fourth Canadian Bronc Riding title that November.
1997 saw Rod add the title ‘father’ with the arrival of his first son, and his fifth CPRA Bronc Riding title. The next 7 years included 3 more Canadian Saddle Bronc Championships: 1999, 2000, 2004. Over his extensive career, Rod made a lot of outstanding rides on great horses, but there is one that he was always excited to see beside his name “Vold’s W4 Hurricane. That horse was great! I got on him 8 times and 8 times I won!”. He competed at both the NFR and CFR 19 times, winning the Canadian Saddle Bronc Championship title a record 8 times.
In June, 2010 Rod suffered what turned out to be a career ending injury. Now he spends his time: riding, playing hockey, hunting and fishing. At home on the ranch with his wife Shelly and sons: Logan, Dawson and Devon, he raises bucking horses and cattle. Rod may no longer compete, but he’s still very involved in rodeo and the western lifestyle. You can find him: coaching and cheering on his boys, hosting riding schools sharing his experience and knowledge with up and coming bronc riders, supporting rodeo at charity events, practice pens, and helping to put on events like the Wildwood Bronc Bustin’.
Rod insists he was blessed with good luck, but no cowboy could achieve what he has accomplished without an abundance of talent. We welcome Rod Hay as a member of the Class of 2019, into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Leon Laye
Contestant, October, 2019
leon laye
In the big man’s event of Steer Wrestling, Leon Laye carved out quite the rodeo career. Born in Provost, AB in 1959 Leon took to the Pro Rodeo trail in 1980. Although slight in stature, his excellent technique allowed him success in the arena. Leon used momentum and skill to wrestle his fast times.
Leon caught the rodeo bug through family. Both his dad and uncles rodeo’ed. As with most youngsters, Leon tried many events from: Boys Steer Riding and Bull Riding through Calf Roping and Steer Wrestling. All the Provost area kids had one huge advantage – Wes Ziffle’s arena. Having Wes and that arena close by, was the start of many great rodeo careers. Leon was no exception.
Once on the trail, Leon traveled with Wes (of course), Kenny Guenthner,, Blaine Pederson, Bill Vincett and Todd Woodward. In the Steer Wrestling fraternity, Leon buddied with some outstanding hazers too: Todd Bogust, Blaine and Jody Brown to name just a few. Leon was noted for having the right kind of horse power – the first $50,000 at Calgary was won on Pat – who was Leon’s dad’s horse first. In 1997, Leon’s outstanding Horse Tuffy was named the CPRA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year.
For over twenty years, the Cadogan rancher played at the top of the game. Starting in 1981 (his second yearly professionally) Leon qualified a total of sixteen years for the CFR in Steer Wrestling and once in Calf Roping. His sixteen Steer Wrestling qualifications hold as second most in the CFR’s history. Favorite rodeos included Gooseberry Lake, Ponoka and Wainwright Stampede (Wainwright was his choice to accept his inductee plaque). In true cowboy fashion, Leon insisted on being in the arena for the presentation on a very rainy afternoon. Joined by his immediate family and a very appreciative ‘hometown’ crowd. Over the years there were many wins and successes. Leon saw his career fastest time at Falkland – an impressive 3.2.
A dedicated family man, Leon made time room for his family to come along. Wife Dana, son Derric and daughter Kelsey could often be found alongside him, especially when the kids were small. 1998 saw Leon crowned the Canadian Steer Wrestling Champion, an award he was destined for. Leon continued to compete at the top level and was stilling going strong in 2000, when he came out as the CPRA season leader. His last qualification for CFR was in 2003. Upon leaving the Pro Circuit, Leon went on to win an FCA Steer Wrestling title, retiring from competition in 2013. He continues to be involved in rodeo today, as a hazer.
Son Derric has a built a rodeo career himself, with his wife Montana and their daughter Harper. Daughter Kelsey and her fellow, Ryan have twin sons: Leo and Lucas. The whole family is looking forward to watching the grandkids grow into rodeo.
We’re honored to welcome Leon Laye, 1998 Canadian Steer Wrestling Champion as a member of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Dale (Stik) Butterwick
Legend, October, 2019
DALE Butterwick
Dale Butterwick was raised just north of Coronation, at Brownfield. His schooling was in both Brownfield and Coronation.
Dale knew at an early age that he wanted to be a rodeo cowboy, entering his first rodeo at the age of 15, in the bareback riding. For several years he entered all 5 events - he will say that saddle bronc riding was his favorite, but that he never had a lot of success.
In 1969 Dale was the High Point Champion, and he took out his pro card, competing in both calf roping and steer wrestling. Dale competed in the timed events for some 21 years, with some time out in that span to heal from injuries. Dale says that his favorite win, although not his biggest, was winning the Steer Wrestling at his hometown rodeo of Coronation in 1988. He’s the proud father of son, Jorge and daughter, Loranna.
After competition days were over, Dale became a pro rodeo judge. He judged at many Canadian pro rodeos, including the Canadian Finals, Ponoka Stampede, and Calgary Stampede. He was very respected for his honesty and fairness. In 1998 Dale took the position of Rodeo Coach at Olds College, with many students that remain his friends to this day. He can still be found helping out at the arenas of the Cassidy’s and at son, Jorge’s.
Always a horseman, he trained many horses, including ranch horses as well as timed event horses. Dale produced some outstanding Tie Down horses, 2 of which won between them 9 Canadian Tie Down Horse of the Year awards. Curtis Cassidy ropes off “Stick” named after the trainer.
Always ready to jump in and help, Dale has probably pushed out as many calves and steers as anyone in rodeo. A great volunteer, he has helped out at the timed event end for many rodeos, even with a badly broken leg and using a cane. He’s involved with the Stettler Steel Wheel Stampede.
Dale still helps out at rodeos whenever needed. He has coached and mentored many kids in 4H, Junior and High School rodeos – helping them with their techniques as well as their horses. He finds helping the kids very rewarding, and is now enjoying helping his grandchildren compete.
The Rodeo Historical Society is proud to induct Dale Butterwick into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, as a Legend of Rodeo.
Jim Lawrence
Legend, October, 2019
Jim LAWRENCE
Born near Kennedy, Saskatchewan to a family rich in rodeo history, Jimmy knew at a young age rodeo was going to be in his future. Both of my parents were involved in the rodeo. Stewie has always been a member of the Moose Mountain rodeo association. He also worked as a flank man and pick up man for Roy West which later became the brown West rodeo company. My mom the late Lillian Lawrence was secretary for Moose Mountain rodeo association for years as well as barrel racer and goat tier.
Like most kids, Jimmy tried his hand at riding broncs and horses but soon found bullriding was his game. He started rodeoing in the CCA in 1979, riding there through 1981. He would compete in his first CPRA sanctioned rodeo in the winter of 1981, Agribition – Regina, pulling his CPRA card in 1982. In 1984, Jim would compete in his first CFR. 1989 saw Jim as the Reserve Canadian Bull Riding Champion as well as the Saskatchewan/Manitoba Circuit Champ. In 1991 Jim was recognized with the distinction of Top Saskatchewan Rodeo Athlete, and also won the coveted CPRA Cowboy of the Year award. Jim’s younger brother Donnie was also a CFR qualifier in the bull riding.
Not just a contestant, Jim also sat on the CPRA Board of Directors, representing the Bull Riders from 1989 through 1991. He represented Canada in 1989, in the Canada – USA rodeo, which he did again in 1990 and 1991. Jim had his last CPRA rodeo appearance in 1993 in the same arena he made his first appearance: Agribition, Regina – Saskatchewan. In the span of his CPRA bull riding career, Jim would compete at the CFR a total of six times.
Jim started his own Stock Contracting business, Prime Time rodeo in 1997, supplying award winning stock to many amateur rodeo associations throughout the years, including the Canadian Cowboys Association (CCA), where he was awarded the Cowboy of the Year award in 2009. Jim has sat on the CCA Board in 2007 through 2018. A Moose Mountain Pro Rodeo Association member for 40+ years, Jim sat as their president for 4 years as well. He served as the first national director of the Saskatchewan High School Rodeos.
For more than 20 years, Jim has put on Jr. Steer Riding and Bull Riding Clinics in Saskatchewan, trying to help create the next generation of contestants. He’s bred and raised bucking horses for 30 plus years, several of which have qualified for both the CFR and NFR. Jim’s Prime Time Rodeo became a CPRA Permit Stock Contractor in 2012, and has contributed great bucking horses such as: 845 Air Miles (3x NFR horse under Pete Carr), 838 Mucho Dinero (4x NFR Horse, under Wayne Vold Rodeo), 053 One More Reason ( 2x NFR horse, under Wayne Vold Rodeo), 971 The Ritz (2x NFR Horse, under Wayne Vold Rodeo), and 308 Gypsy Soul (3x NFR horse, under Tim Bridwell) to name a few.
Jim and his wife, Leanne were married October 12, 1985. They reside outside of Kennedy, Saskatchewan today where they’re third generation ranchers still actively involved with the Kennedy Rodeo. Jim’s followed his father's footsteps in the community of some 40+ years, supplying the Novice Horses for the rodeo each year. Jim and Leanne have raised a family and continue to make great contributions to the rodeo world and community alike. I’m proud to say that my rodeo company has always been a family business. My three children: son Jesse, daughter Paige and youngest son Dawson have always worked alongside of me, and have been a huge part of our success! My wife Leanne is the backbone of our company serving as secretary.
For these reasons and so many more, we tip our hats and welcome Jim Lawrence as a Legend into the Canadian Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Darrell Paulovich
Award of Distinction, October, 2019
DARRELL PAULOVICH
Darrell Paulovich was a young man most people met throughout the years at a rodeo (be it high school, amateur or professional), Darrell loved it all. If the rodeo was within a two and a half hour drive of Edmonton – you would always see Darrell in the crowd. More often than not, he’d be chatting with a contestant or rodeo figure of some sort. He loved to visit with everyone, and everyone loved visiting with him.
This young man had endured a lot in his short life. He loved trucking and did so until a accident left him wheelchair bound in 1997. While most people would find a wheelchair restricting and limiting, Darrell made it his mode of transportation, getting out and do as much as he possibly could. Far more than most would even consider.
Darrell’s love and absolute passion for the sport of rodeo could be seen daily in his social media posts – rarely without a photo of one of his heroes (that was anyone involved in rodeo – not just champions or those with the biggest achievements). He would recap the days rodeo activities, capturing special moments and sharing them freely with everyone who took time to read it!
Darrell never asked anything of you, but you always got something from him: undivided attention, admiration and respect. He’d teach us all lessons along the way, and he was oblivious to the fact that he’d done it. He was humble beyond words, and because of this has been recognized as Rodeo’s Greatest Fan, a most fitting title!
On October 12, 2018, we lost Darrell Paulovich. His overwhelming love for life, contagious smile and compassion for absolutely everyone he met made him family to the rodeo community. Proven through his gold card awards by both the Wildrose and Lakeland Rodeo Associations. An annual scholarship presented in Darrell’s name at the Inter Collegiate level, the Darrell Paulovich Memorial Award presented at the Wildrose Rodeo Association’s Finals, and the Rising Stars award given in his name. All testaments to the legacy of the man he was.
He visited the Hall of Fame on several occasions, and it gives us great pleasure to announce Darrell Paulovich posthumously as the very first recipient of the Award of Distinction, in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.