Happy Tegart – 1968 Canadian Bareback Champion Passes

happytegartAugust 11, 1939 – August 1, 2011
Hap died suddenly on August 1, 2011 doing what he loved – farming.

He is survived by his loving wife of forty-six years, Sharon (Patterson); son Rob (Melanie); three grandkids: Kasper, Klover, and Kayman as well as his extended family and many friends.

Happy was raised in the Columbia Valley and in his younger years traveled North America on the professional rodeo circuit where he met Sharon. The highlight of his career was winning Canadian Bareback Champion in 1968. After working for a number of other ranchers, he eventually settled with Sharon and Rob on their own property near Keoma in 1975.

Following a successful custom cattle fitting and showing business, Hap became even more well known for raising prize winning Charolais cattle and Paint horses. Hap was very involved with his community and over the years held a number of positions with different organizations including the Calgary Stampede Beef Cattle Committee, Western Irrigation District, Alberta Charolais Association, Canadian Pro Rodeo Association and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame. He was also actively involved mentoring youth through minor hockey, 4-H and judging various youth rodeo events.

Hap was always willing to lend a hand whenever a neighbour was in need. More recently you could find Happy cheering on his grandkids at their hockey games and BMX races. He had a very special soft spot reserved just for them. Memorial Donations in Happy’s name may be made to Beiseker Minor Hockey (Box 728, Irricana, AB, T0M 1B0) or to a charity of one’s choice. A Memorial Service was held at Calgary Stockyards – Strathmore, AB on Saturday, August 6, 2011.