Proudly introducing our 2020 Legends

Tom Barr

Tom began his CPRA career in 1987, where in his Rookie Year, he missed qualifying for the CFR in Steer Wrestling by a mere $133.  Tom would go on to qualify for the CFR a coveted 11 times, winning the Average Champion title in 1995. At that time, he also qualified for the NFR once, in 1991.  Tom won the Bud Pro Tour in 1989, Coors Chute Out title in 1988 and again in 1992, as well as the Brahma Boots Tour in 1991.  Major wins over the course of his career included: 3 Ponoka Stampede championships, a win at Vancouver in 1993, and a 1st/2nd split at Cloverdale in 2003. 

After his competitive years finished, Tom served as a CPRA judge and was selected to judge the CFR on 5 occasions.   For these accomplishments, we’re pleased to induct the Legend, Tom Barr into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Jordie Thomson

Jordie was born to be a cowboy.  Jordie and his brothers, Lonnie and Kirk, grew up on the rodeo trail traveling with their dad and mom. His career started much the same as most rodeo kids – competing in the Boys Steer Riding.  At the age of 14 he competed in both the steer riding and Bull Riding events.  By 15, Jordie had bought his CPRA card, and immediately blazed a trail, earning an 88pt ride on Franklin’s Wilfred at Regina, which (at the time) was a CPRA record.  Jordie competed in BullRiding at his first CFR in 1975 at the tender age of 17.  In 1976, he finished 3rd at CFR in Bareback Riding, having qualified in 2 events that year, and was runner up to the Champ in Bull Riding in 1976 and 1979.  He finished in the top 5 Bullriders in the CPRA from 1975 to 1980. 

Jordie was always confident, bold and comical. He was a horse trainer, dog lover and trainer, and a cowboy poet.  The gold buckle eluded him, and he was devastated when his rodeo career came to an early end, due to injury.  Sadly we lost Jordie in 2010, but his name still brings a smile to many, as stories of him are told.  Today we recognize Jordie as a Legend, in Canada’s Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

2020 Inductees Named

We are excited to announce our 2020 Inductees.  Congratulations to the following (in no particular order):

Contestant: Todd Boggust

12 CFR SW qualifications and 5 NFR SW qualifications speak for themselves, where Todd is concerned.  He was an outstanding Steer Wrestling, infact an ambassador of the event, and liked by absolutely everyone.   Todd won the Canadian Steer Wrestling Championship title in 1995, followed by the coveted CPRA’s Cowboy of the Year award in the 2001.  Sadly we lost Todd in August of 2001, to Cancer. Many of today’s Steer Wrestling competitors credit Todd with much of their success, stating “he was there influencing me when I got started”.  Todd was a rancher and a cowboy at heart, for these reasons and more, we recognize and welcome Todd Boggust to his rightful seat in the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Contestant: Robert Bowers

Robert Bowers personified rodeo with his Bull Riding Career. Known to have ridden with either hand, and winning with both, he made 8 CFR qualifications, 3 NFR qualifications and 2 PBR World Finals qualifications before injuries lead to his early retirement.  Robert won his Canadian Bull Riding Championship title in 1997, which offers just one of his many accomplishments.  Known as a world class champion, this decorated individual is a humble cowboy, who has inspired many young bull riders.  For this reason and many more, we’re privileged to induct Robert as one of our 2020 Class, into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Contestant: Guy Shapka

Guy Shapka had a rodeo career in the Saddle Bronc Riding that spanned from 1974 through 2002, with 17 CFR qualifications, and 3 NFR qualifications. He represented Canada in both the 1988 and 2002 Olympics, and was crowned Rookie of the Year in both the CPRA and PRCA in 1984.  Guy went on to win the Canadian Saddle Bronc Championship in 1987, was the season leader in 1995 and the CFR SB Average winner in 2000.  Crowned Cowboy of the Year in CPRA in 2002, Guy retired after his final ride at the CFR that year.  For these accomplishments and so many more, Guy has earned his seat in the Hall of Fame.

Builder: Dallas Mackie

A name synonymous with the Cranbrook Rodeo, Dallas Mackie has been there since its inception in 1987.  34+ years of commitment and dedication, as a volunteer, is something few can list as an accomplishment in the rodeo arena. This 2005 CPRA Committee Person of the Year is worthy of the builder category for many reasons, and because of that we honor Dallas, as our one 2020 Class of inductees into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Animal: Willy – SW Horse

Owned by Greg Cassidy, Willy has earned well in excess of 2 million dollars, and carried 3 cowboys to world Steer Wrestling titles in Las Vegas, and many more to Championship Steer Wrestling titles in Canada. Quite possibly one of the most decorated Animals in Canadian Rodeo History, we proudly welcome Willy into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Introducing our New Board Members and Executive

On November 1st, 2019 we welcomed a couple new members to the board of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame: Gwen Saubak, Tim Thompson and Lynda Thurston.

The board members for the 2020 term are (in no particular order): Brenda Vold, Gwen Saubak, Tana Hooper, Lynda Thurston, Karry Krystal, Miles Crandall, Jim Freeman, Jim Pippolo, Wayne Powell, and Tim Thompson.

Our 2020 executive consists of: Jim Freeman - President, Jim Pippolo - Vice-President and Karry Krystal - Secretary-Treasurer.

With the change of the board, we wish to thank all the previous board members for all they’ve done throughout their terms. Their commitment, support and unwavering dedication could never be questioned, and are truly appreciated. THANK YOU.

THANK YOU One and All.

We had an amazing banquet this past Saturday and are eternally grateful to everyone who came out and supported the event. Some great stories and touching moments were shared, and history was yet again made as our 2019 inductions were finalized. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us through both the live and silent auctions, and are especially greatful to these table sponsors:

Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stockyards

CPRA

Jess Hyland

JP Veitch and the Honorary Rona Ambrose

Ponoka Stampede

RAM Dealers of Alberta

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