The Canadian Pro Rodeo community was saddened to learn about the recent passing of long time competitor, rodeo judge, CPRA Board Member, Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame member and inductee and friend, Lester Gurnett. Condolences are extended to Lester’s wife Kathy, his children (Todd, Tana, Tara, and Ty), their families and Lester’s many friends.
A memorial service will be held on Oct 5, 2025, 1:00 p.m.
Crossfield Community Hall, with a reception to follow.
All who knew and loved Lester are welcome to attend and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Lester’s memory to the Cowboys Benevolent Fund.
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EXERPT from the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
Lester Gurnett was a true cowboy…. honest, humble, hard working,and a person who genuinely cared about people and life.
The eldest of six children, Lester was born in Orillia, Ontario. His family moved out west to the prairies and his childhood was spent in a little town east of Hanna, AB. Being raised in Youngstown, AB, you generally made your own entertainment. Lester and his brother Royce would ride their bikes two miles out of town to Jim Armstrong’s (which,at the time) was the Calgary Stampede Ranch. They’d spend afternoons trying to catch a yearling out of the pen and ride him. They finally got the job done on a sorrel with white socks. They bought him and named him Fox. The pair trained and rode that horse until he was bomb proof, then sold him to an uncle for his children to ride. In time, the sorrel’s genetics kicked back in and he started bucking, ending up back in the Calgary Stampede herd. Years later (in 1972) the Lester and Fox were reunited, as Lester got on the gelding for the last time, in the amateur bronc riding at the Calgary Stampede.
Lester started riding cows and a few bareback horses at Big Stone, thanks to the likes of Bob Lynn and Art Klassen. In time he ran into Wilf Girletz coming home from the Hand Hills Rodeo and asked “how to enter a Pro Rodeo”. Wilf replied “Don’t bother Kid, you’ll never make it.” Well, for the strong willed kid, that was like pouring gasoline on a fire! As things worked out Hand Hills was the first pro rodeo Lester entered, borrowing everything from the Pros. The ride looked like he had never been on anything that bucked – BUT he was offered $10 for an instant replay of the buck off.
In 1969, he briefly traded one love for another, selling his bronc saddle to buy an engagement ring. He married Kathy in June of that year. By winter, with his new bride’s support, Lester bought another bronc saddle and prepared to hit the rodeo trail… which he continued to do for almost 50 more years.
Lester attended Winston Bruce’s Bronc Riding School in ‘71 and ‘72, and John Dodds’ Bull Riding School in 1973. Winning the Central Alberta Amateur Bronc Riding title in ‘72 , he filled his permit in the CPRA that fall, and won both the Pro and the Amateur Bronc Riding at Merritt, B.C. He retired from competition in 1986 – having competed at the 1st CFR (splitting a 1 go round and winning 3rd in another for a grand total of $460+/-), and rode once again at the 10th CFR .
His favorite horse, would have to be Vold’s Bobby Dimmer. Bobby was the horse he’d drawn in Morris MB, July 18 1973. The day before, in Yorkton, Sask., he bucked off a big black bronc. He was travelling with Mel Hyland that night he got a “Royal Education” in TRY versus Wussy. The next day, he learned Kathy had had twin girls. The added pressure of a growing family worked: Bobby Dimmer was great and Lester won first.
In the mid 80’s the Wrangler Pro Judging Program was introduced and Lester was one of the original officials. He judged the CFR 18 times and the Calgary Stampede some 20 times. He was voted by the CFR contestants to judge the Finals for 13 consecutive years, a tribute to his integrity and the respect he earned.
Lester sat on the CPRA Board of Directors as both a contestant and an official. He served on the board for the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame for nine years, acting as President from 2008 thru 2014. His persistence and leadership secured a home for the Hall in Ponoka, AB.
After retiring from judging, Lester stayed close to home with Kathy enjoying their four children and their grandkids. Lester’s commitment to represent himself, his family and be an example of the western culture he believed in, was solid. Lester lived a life full of character and experiences that could entertain others around a campfire for days. When asked to sum it up, he said with a smile, “Well… it’s been quite a ride.” He’d be the first to tell you he was no saint. You’re right Lester, you were no saint… but you are a legend! Welcome to the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
* Information and photos courtesy of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Lester’s family.