The rodeo community extends sympathy to the family and friends of four time Canadian Bareback Champion Dusty LaValley – who lost a hard-fought battle with ALS August 2, 2026.
The Bezanson, Alberta (Grande Prairie area) cowboy honed his bareback riding skills at Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas, then put the world on notice in 2004 when he earned the PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year title in the Bareback riding. Qualifying for the first of thirteen Canadian Finals in 2003, Dusty captured Canadian rodeo’s highest honor – the Canadian Bareback Championship – in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011.
Winning large rodeos across North America, the talented athlete had a credential bio too long to list. His standout performance at the 2008 NFR saw Dusty place in 6 out of 10 rounds, and finish 3rd in the average. Dusty qualified for the NFR again in 2010. Season leader awards, circuit tour championships, high marked rides at prestigious rodeos throughout North America were just some of Dusty’s accomplishments. Always a student of the sport, Dusty worked at perfecting his craft and athleticism throughout his professional career.
Dusty navigated the daunting journey through ALS with the same grit and determination he applied to the rodeo arena and his career as a businessman and entrepreneur.
Undoubtedly one of the best bareback riders to have ever come out of Canada, Dusty further earned his place among the sport’s heros when he was inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2022.
Heartfelt condolences to Dusty’s children, extended family and his many friends.
A celebration of Dusty’s life will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Bezanson Community Event Centre (9901 100 Ave, Bezanson, Alberta), with a luncheon to follow. Afterward, interment will be held at the Glen Leslie Cemetery (Range Rd 40, Bezanson, Alberta).
Family and friends are invited to join together to celebrate Dusty’s life, share stories, and honor a remarkable father, cowboy, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose legacy will never be forgotten.
For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be livestreamed. The link will be available shortly before the service begins.
Full obituary can be found here
Photos and information provided by Pro Rodeo Canada and the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame (Amber Hay).
