Former Chuckwagon Driver Dr. Doyle Mullaney Dead At 68
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of former chuckwagon driver and fan favorite Dr. Doyle Mullaney on Sunday, May 6, 2013 from an apparent heart attack while battling a grass fire at the age of 68.
Known affectionately as “Doc” by most, or as the “Colorful Irishman,” by legendary Calgary Stampede track announcer Joe Carbury, Doyle recently celebrated 50 years in the chuckwagon business after his annual trip to the Houston Astrodome to run pony wagons this past winter. “Doc” was one of the greatest ambassadors chuckwagon racing ever had, and raced wagons all over the North American continent from Fort Nelson, B.C to Mexico, from Vancouver Island to the eastern Maritimes.
Doyle was a 2nd generation chuckwagon man who started his career as a chuckwagon driver and outrider in 1964 as part of Cliff Claggett’s legendary barnstorming chuckwagon show. He was the 1971 World Pony Chuckwagon Champion, and during his career driving thoroughbred chuckwagons, “Doc” posted victories at the Meadow Lake Stampede, the Dawson Creek Fall Fair & Rodeo, and twice won the Chuckwagon Championship of Fort Nelson, B.C. He won the 2002 WPCA Clean Drive Award for least penalized driver and received the WPCA’s Most Improved Chuckwagon Outfit Award in 1985. Doyle also competed in bull riding and bareback bronc riding, and graduated from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1973. He owned and operated the Big Rock Animal Clinic in Okotoks, Alberta until he sold his practice in 2010.
Throughout his career “Doc” participated in numerous parades and exhibitions, including driving chuckwagons as part of the opening ceremonies at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, and even embarking on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. “Doc’s” lifetime dedication to chuckwagon racing earned him a record four WPCA Active Supporter awards, and in 1993 he was honored with the WPCA’s highest award, the Chuckwagon Person of the Year. In 2005, Doyle received the WPCA’s prestigious George Normand Lifetime Builder’s Award.
Dr. Doyle Mullaney will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Mullaney family. Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this time. Keep checking wpca.com or halfmileofhell.com for more information on the life and death of chuckwagon driver Doyle Mullaney.
Billy Melville