HONOURARY TRAPPERS
In 1975 the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival made the decision to honour
some members of the public for their commitment and dedication
to the cause of the annual Trappers' Festival. Those people so honoured
were to have many years of steadfast involvement that was beneficial to the
continual operation and development of the festival and its activities.
At the Regular Meeting of the 1978 Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival, Inc.
Board of Directors held on 1 November 1977, the following motion
was presented and passed:
M/S Bill Harper, Neal Joyce
THAT the Honourary Trapper be awarded only to those people who
have contributed many years of loyal service to Trappers' Festival and it
shall be awarded only during a Trappers' Festival.
CARRIED.
To date, those people so honoured are:
Real Berard - April 7, 1975
Real is an artist and naturalist who designs our annual logo and has since 1973.
He built many snow and ice sculptures around The Pas to celebrate festival and
taught many local citizens how to build these decorative displays.
Ed Wong - April 29, 1975 (Annual General Meeting)
Ed was the Manager of Parks Branch in The Pas and spent many years from 1972
assisting every aspect of Trappers' Festival in that capacity until he was
transferred to Winnipeg in 1977. Ed acted as Chairman of the Annual General
Meetings during that time.
Howie Larke - April 29, 1975 (Annual General Meeting)
Howie was the Northern Representative of Labatt's Manitoba Brewery and was
instrumental in achieving Labatt's sponsorship and the Clarence Tillenius trophy
for the Dog Race in 1960. He attended most festivals from 1960 until 1976 when
he was transferred to BC.
George Takashima - May 21, 1975 (regular meeting)
George served as General Chairman of the Trappers' Festival in 1972, 73, 74 and
75. He introduced several new events and created much enthusiasm within the
community for the festival.
Murray Houlden - March 26, 1976 (Wind-Up Party)
Murray served as Finance Chairman in 1975 and General Chairman in 1976.
Sid Wilton - April 27, 1976 (Annual General Meeting)
Sid served on the Board from its formation in 1948 until 1975. He edited the
annual booklet for many, many years and was a historian emeritus of Trappers'
Festival. He was pleased to provide oral history to anyone who was interested.
Sid was deceased on December 28, 1977.
Clifford "Ticky" King - February 15, 1978 (Directors' Reception)
Ticky was a Board member for many years and an active member of The Pas Lions
Club. He organized and operated the King Trapper events, and continues to assist
the festival on a regular basis. His ideas and events for the King Trapper
contest are used to date.
Joyce Colgan - February 15, 1978 (Directors' Reception)
Joyce served on the Board for several years and was instrumental in organizing
the Stage Shows. She still continues to provide musical assistance when
requested.
Bill Harper - February 14, 1979 (Directors' Reception)
Bill was Manager of the Parks Branch and in that capacity assisted Trappers'
Festival in many aspects. He served on the Board of Directors and was a Vice
Chairman in 1977 and 1978. He continued his involvement on the Board of
Directors until he transferred to Winnipeg in 1979.
Sue Lambert - February 15, 1986 (Directors' Reception)
Sue is the longest serving member of the Board of Directors, having served for
31 years from 1971 to 1991 and again from 1995 through 2006. She has filled all
the executive positions and chaired most of the events of the Trappers'
Festival. She reorganized the Fur Queen Contest and Rendezvous/Beerfest events,
in order to make them high profit bearing activities. Sue served as General
Chairman for two years, was Finance Chairman for five years and Secretary for
fifteen years. Sue is still a dedicated and hard-working supporter of the
Trappers' Festival and provides history and continuity to the operations. Her
international media contacts keep the publicity about the festival active. She
chaired the 50th Anniversary celebration in 1997 and is continues to serve on
the board as Secretary. Sue believes the annual festival is important to the
economy and quality of life of the people of The Pas area and promotes the
history and heritage of the region at every opportunity.
Armand Lambert - February 18, 1994 (Director's Reception)
Armand first became involved with the Trappers' Festival in 1949 when his
father, Edwin Lambert, won the World Championship Dog Race, which at that time
was run from The Pas to Flin Flon and return. Armand assisted in the care of the
dogs and continued his interest for many years. He received the Junior King
Trapper title in 1964. His wife, Sue Lambert, became involved with the festival
in 1971 because Armand's father was concerned about the prize money in the dog
race and remained on the Board of Directors for over 30 years. Trappers'
Festival was a family affair. Armand spent time assisting with the Kinsmen in
organizing the dog race. In 1976, Pitt joined Kinsmen and became even more
involved with the preparation for the dog races and has served as Registrar of
the races since that time. He was a member of the Board of Directors in 1980 and
was Dog Race Chairman that year also. Armand is well known throughout North
America as the promoter of the dog races in The Pas. Mushers call him regularly
throughout the year for updates on regulations and information. His commitment
and dedication to the success of the Dog Races and the continuation of the
Trappers' Festival is exemplary, and we are pleased to present him with the
highest honour the Trappers' Festival can bestow - Honourary Trapper - Armand
"Pitt" Lambert.
Bryon Harkness - February 18, 1994 (Director's Reception)
Bryon is well known as "Harkie" throughout North America. He became involved
with the Trappers' Festival in 1965 when his wife-to-be, Judy Colgan, was
crowned Fur Queen. He promoted the Trappers' Festival activities, and became
very active with the Dog Race when he joined Kinsmen in 1971. Trappers' Festival
was a family affair for Harkie, as well, with involvement in Stage Show, Fur
Queens, King Trapper and Highlights. Harkie sponsored various events of the
Trappers' Festival through his business concerns, and was a strong supporter and
champion of the activities of the Trappers' Festival and the community. Harkie
was a member of the Board of Directors in 1977 and was Dog Race Chairman. Since
leaving The Pas, Bryon has continued to support and promote the Trappers'
Festival and frequently brings guests back to experience our unique
opportunities in the North. His ebullient and buoyant personality lends itself
to the honour we bestow on him this evening - Honourary Trapper - Bryon "Harkie"
Harkness.
General Chairman, Gary Halstead commented that "Together Pitt and Harkie have
dedicated over 50 years of service to the Trappers' Festival. Let's congratulate
them."
Lucille & Eugene Lamb - Directors Reception 1995
Eugene was instrumental in continuing the operation of the King Trapper Contest
through the late 1980's, and served on the Board of Directors in the
mid-seventies as well. He brought in some changes and kept the contest founded
on competitions based on trapping and wilderness survival skills. Lucille served
on the board in the late 80's helping Gene, and also assisting with the dances
and youth activities.
John St. Goddard - Appreciation Night 1996
John served on the board of directors for eight years, two as General Chairman.
He has continued to provide services for the festival, arranging for decorating
of the community and work parties to assist in setting up and taking down for
various activities. John designs and constructs Fort Whoop It Up annually. His
valuable contribution to the annual activities gives the community a feeling of
participation and pride in the Trappers' Festival.
Clem Jones - Appreciation Night 1996
Clem served on the board of directors for five years, one as General Chairman.
Over the last few years, although he was no longer a member of the board, Clem
did help out and assist anyone who had need of his expertise.
Walter Koshel - Appreciation Night 1997
Walter Koshel has been a hard working active promoter of the Trappers' Festival
since he was a teenager (that's a few years now!!). Any time there was a need
for someone to come out to receptions or exhibitions and add colour and
demonstrate events or activities, Walter was always a willing helper. His
expertise as a trapper and King Trapper competitor were recognized
internationally, and he promoted the Trappers' Festival when he participated and
won King of the Klondike and the Okimow of the North. Walter is a true
ambassador of the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival.
Franklin Carriere - Appreciation Night 1998
Franklin Carriere is a long time competitor of the King Trapper event at the
annual Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival. He is an avid and enthusiastic
participant and encourages others to compete as well. Franklin promotes the King
Trapper competition and the other events of the Trappers' Festival where ever he
goes. He is proud of his participation and the skills and abilities that allowed
him to claim the title of King Trapper several times. Franklin Carriere
epitomizes the spirit of the Northern Pioneer and Trapper. He stimulates
excitement about our festival in The Pas and generates interest in the events
amongst everyone he meets. He acts as an ambassador for the Trappers' Festival,
and fosters attendance and competition. Franklin's interest and zeal as a King
Trapper competitor, and former King Trapper title holder, make us proud to
include him as an Honourary Trapper of the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival
-- a privilege he well deserves.
Sonny Lavallee - Appreciation Night 2000
Sonny Lavallee has long devoted time to Trappers' Festival. His commitment to
promoting the festival and all of its activities is well known. Many people in
The Pas associate the name Trappers' Festival with this dedicated man. He has
been the brunt of many jokes on the board, gets teased mercilessly by fellow
board members about his life style, his clothes, his appearance, his hunting,
his possessions....but never is there one word said in jest about his concern
for the betterment of the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival. If there is a
job that needs doing, he is there to help. His dedication has been evident
throughout his 17 years on the Board of Directors. Inducting Raymond “Sonny”
Lavallee as an Honourary Trapper of the Northern Manitoba Trappers' Festival is
an honour well deserved.
Linda McFarland - Appreciation Night 2001
To be an active member of the Board of Directors, and to promote the cultural
aspects of the people of Northern Manitoba through display of their creations is
one of the activities of this nominee of the Honorary Trapper. A constant
supporter, reliable contributor and conscientious champion of her efforts. Linda
McFarland has been committed to organizing events and activities for the benefit
of others since 1991. She is a most valuable member of the Board of Directors,
and we take this opportunity to salute her for her commitment to Trappers'
Festival, and award her the title of Honorary Trapper.
Rod Pidskalny - Appreciation Night 2001
Rod has served the Board in many capacities including Chair of the Dream Draw as
well as being a dedicated General Chairman and promoter of Trappers' Festival.
He meets all challenges willingly and is an extraordinary worker, making sure
all events are held and that the visitor and participant to Trappers' Festival
are welcomed. Rod comes from a long line of Trappers' supporters, as his dad,
Orest, was a General Chairman in the late 60's and Rod learned first hand of the
importance of the culture and heritage of Trappers' Festival. Being awarded the
title of Honorary Trapper is only a small recognition of the dedication Rod has
offered.
Richard Beck - Musher’s Briefing 2004
One of the people we recognize has long devoted time and effort to the promotion
of the World Championship Dog Races at the Trappers' Festival. His commitment to
promoting the races has resulted in many mushers from the Northwest Territories
attending our festival and ensuring the continuation of all of the activities.
He is an acclaimed dog musher and has taken the time to share his skills,
knowledge and wisdom about the sport and raising championship sled dogs with
many interested people. As a dedicated musher, he has promoted the sport within
his own family to the extent that they have all participated in our dog races.
The Honourary Trapper title is the highest award bestowed upon promoters of our
festival, and it gives us extreme pleasure and great honour to express our
appreciation to Richard Beck, a six time winner of the World Championship Dog
Race to receive the title of Honourary Trapper.
Orest Pidskalny - Appreciation Night 2004
We recognize a person who has long devoted time and effort to the promotion of
the Trappers’ Festival. He is a former General Chairman and has volunteered in
many capacities over the years to ensure the success of the festival. His
current work provides the festival with an excellent visual history and images
for our promotional materials and booklets. Whenever asked, he is available to
assist the board of directors with many of the events they are attempting to
promote and retain. As a photographer, his work is exemplary and we get a well
rounded visual presentation of the festival because of his intimate knowledge of
all of the events and activities. The Honourary Trapper title is the highest
award bestowed upon promoters of our festival, and it is a great honour to
express our appreciation to Orest Pidskalny to receive the title of Honourary
Trapper.
Gary Kozun Appreciation Night 2008
Darryl Hogue Appreciation Night 2008