June 15, 2024
The Canadian Rodeo Community is sad to note the passing of Norman Edge.
Norman and his wife, Shirley, were married in 1955 and contributed much to the sport of rodeo and the western way of life over the years.
Dogpound, Alberta was the starting point for Norman’s rodeo career. The young cowboy rode steers at age 15, graduated to saddle bronc, bareback and bulls, then settled on the bull riding event for the rest of his riding career.
Norman worked as a rodeo judge for a number of years and served as President of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association for two years.
Norman and Shirley were inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in the Builder category in 2007 – the first couple to be so honoured.
Condolences go out to Shirley, all of Norman’s close and extended family and to his many friends.
FROM THE EDGE FAMILY:
Clement Norman Edge – August 8, 1930 – June 15, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a Cochrane pioneer and legend, Norman Edge, at the age of 93. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Shirley, his sister Edith Edge, sons Duane (Judy), Lyle (Ruth), Marty (Dixie) and daughter Jackie Lou Leask (Mac), 10 grandchildren, Ben, Matthew and Merrilee, Lonnie, Denton and Brett, Carlee, and Sam, Mac Jr. and Marty; and 13 great-grandchildren. Norman was pre-deceased by his brothers Don and Frank, great granddaughter Paisley, parents Clem and Margaret and infant sister Margaret.
Norman was educated at the Beaupre community school along with his brothers and sister. They carried a can of water every day to the teacher in the one room school house because they were the kids that lived the closest.
The Edge family was all about ranching, rodeo, cattle, horses and the cowboy lifestyle, and lives on with the fourth generation following in historical boots. It’s in the jeans.
Bull riding is what he loved and Norman had a very successful career as a professional and accomplished bull rider. Of course, as with many cowboys, you’re only as good as the woman you’re riding with. Shirley played a tremendous role in Norman’s success, holding down the fort while Norman participated in rodeos, or loading up the family to watch him compete. Norman and Shirley travelled extensively around the world with both bull riding and then in latter years, judging at rodeos throughout Canada and the US. Norman and Shirley were named Builders of the Sport of Rodeo, and to this day, are the only couple inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Being asked to judge at the Australian National Finals in Melbourne, New York Madison Square Gardens, Pendleton Oregon, Calgary Stampede, and Canadian Finals Rodeo were prestigious invitations. Norman was revered at the neighbours’ brandings where he had the amazing ability to drag a calf in by two feet. He was still roping at 87 years old and was simply the best in the branding pen. No one could throw a rope like Norman could.
Norman was known as the “Silver Fox’ in the movie industry where he had another career as wrangler, teamster, stunt man, animal coordinator/horse master. Movies included Lonesome Dove, King of the Grizzly, Little Big Man, Silence of the North, Unforgiven, Legends of the Fall, and interestingly, The Edge. These are only but a few of the over 40 big screen movies that Dad worked on, and in, with many well known actors. His kids, grandkids and great grandkids have been and are also very involved in the movie industry.
The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care Dad received at the Hawthorne Home and the Bethany Care, Cochrane. Also, we would like to thank so many of you for the calls, messages of sympathy and kindness over the last few days. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to Beaupre Community Association towards the installation of handicap access (P.O. Box 662, Cochrane, AB T4C 1A8).
A Celebration of the amazing Life of Norman Edge will be held at a later time.
We take solace knowing that Dad has passed on to Cowboy Heaven, where there is a special corral for gentleman cowboys to gather and reminisce. God must have been a cowboy ‘cause he made all those trails to lead old cowboys home again.