Three bronc riders, Jim Demchenko, Tom Reardon, and Ken Perrin. Photo by Terri Mason.
It’s not often something like this happens. Early in May three old bronc riders got together for supper to celebrate their graduation from Winston Bruce’s bronc riding school held 50 years ago in 1966.
With tongue in cheek, Tom Reardon explained, “For the week prior to the 1966 Stavely Rodeo the three of us attended Winston Bruce’s College of Rodeo Knowledge. We figured on being World Champions; that part didn’t work out but we did survive. When we realized that school was 50 years ago we decided to have a 50th anniversary supper on May 4th. We toured out to Cypress Park, had a wonderful meal and exchanged some colourful stories.
We stalled around quite a while but the waitress never did read the congratulatory telegram from Queen Elizabeth. Maybe it never got there.”
A 50-year-old photo of the graduates of Winston Bruce’s “College of Rodeo Knowledge” May, 1966. Front row kneeling: Danny Tatum, Williams, Ariz., Denton Moffatt, Hussar, Alta., Wes Mapston, Arlee, Mont., Tom Reardon, Maple Creek, Sask., Garth Bascom, Eastend, Sask., Dave Kenyon, Lloydminster, Alta., Dennis Short, Brooks, Alta. Middle row standing: Carol Bruce, Calgary, Alta., Gordon Kesler, Magrath, Alta., Jim Demchenko, Maple Creek, Sask., Ken Perrin, Maple Creek, Sask., Tom McGill, Tex., Marian Flowers, Calif., Dave Murphy, Edmonton, Alta., Don Halladay, Leslieville, Alta., Glen Beggs, Lloydminster, Alta., Lyle Waddell, Cochrane, Alta., Bill Fletcher, Oregon. Back row, mounted: Winston Bruce, Calgary, Alta., Harry Vold, DeWinton, Alta., Albert Galarneau, Hanna, Alta., unknown, (If anyone recognizes this pick up man, please email the Editor), Larry Matthews, Calgary, Alta., on chute.
