Tributes go out to auctioneer, rodeo announcer
A long-time Westerner Days chuckwagon announcer and auctioneer is being remembered for his microphone skills and community involvement.
Richard ‘Rick’ James Horn, of Blackfalds, died peacefully at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on April 4 at the age of 77.
Good friend and fellow announcer Darrell Johnston, of 5 Star Auction, said Horn may have officially retired in 2017, but he would still make time to lead charity auctions.
“A lot of the fundraising charity sales he used to do locally, he always used to do them for nothing because he always wanted to give back. If they paid him, he would turn around and spend that money at the event so it stayed there,” said Johnston who shared a tribute to Horne at the last Friday’s chuckwagon tarp auction for Westerner Days. “He loved auctions and he loved giving back.”
Horn was born in Virden, Man. and moved to Alberta after graduating high school. He leaves behind his wife Shirley Repas with whom he celebrated 55 years of marriage.
His jobs included working in the oilfield, as a bull rider, rodeo clown, and a saddle shop and furniture store owner before becoming an auctioneer with Richie Brothers which took him across Canada as well as to Australia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore and Dubai.
He made his mark as a rodeo and pony chuckwagon race announcer and he became a local icon at Red Deer’s Westerner Days and the surrounding district for over 30 years.
Johnston said Horn was considered one of the best announcers and he really cared about the riders on the track.
“If he was at a chuckwagon event where one of the drivers got hurt, he would phone once a week and check on that driver. He was always more interested in everybody else, making sure everyone was good. He called everybody his friend.”
Horn will be missed, he added.
“With rodeos, chuckwagons and auctions, it’s all like a big family. You get to know your customers. You get to know your drivers, the sponsors.
“He left a huge footprint. He was kind-hearted, soft-spoken, just an all-round great guy.”
As per Horn’s request, there will be no formal funeral service. Condolences can be shared at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.