April 12 – The rodeo community was sad to hear about the recent passing of CPRA and FCA rodeo bull fighter Wayne Ethier.
Born in Dawson Creek, BC in 1958, Wayne lived a busy, adventurous life – working in a variety of fields, among them, the sport of rodeo.
Wayne first jumped into the rodeo arena as a bull fighter when BC contractor Timber Peck asked the young cowboy to work his bulls… with Wayne’s first rodeo appearance at a High School rodeo in Chetwynd, BC. After a return to the construction industry, the talented athlete again tested his mettle in the rodeo industry – this time when he was hired by rodeo contractor Harvey Northcott. Wayne went on to work over forty performances that year and earned a nomination as one of the two 1983 Canadian Finals Rodeo bull fighters.
Wayne struggled with health challenges in recent years and passed away April 8 after a battle with cancer. Wayne will be remembered by his family – sons, Myles and Kail; his stepdaughter, Shayna; his grandchildren, Roman, Tucker, Blaze, Ella, and Kade; his brothers, Brian and Blaine, along with their families, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Ave., Red Deer, AB T4R 3S6.
A celebration of life is planned for a future date.
* Wayne Ethier’s full obituary available here