Southern Alberta auctioneer and former MP Ken Hurlburt died July 17 at the age of 88.
Hurlburt was involved with the livestock industry all his life and went to auctioneer school in 1952.
The beef industry was in crisis because of foot-and-mouth disease, so with a $500 gift from a friend he attended the Western College of Auctioneering in Billings, Montana. He became the first Canadian to join the teaching staff at that college.
He was among the pioneers to build the auction market system and sold cattle across Canada.
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Along with partners, he opened the Fort Macleod Auction Market in 1960, the Highwood Livestock Auction in High River in 1984 and Pincher Creek and Cranbrook auction markets in 1993.
He was mayor of Fort Macleod, Alta., for four years, and was twice elected the Progressive Conservative MP from 1972-79.
He was named Honourary Chief Ermine Horn of the Piikani Nation’s Black Horse Society.
In 2012, he was inducted into the Livestock Marketing Association of Canada’s Hall of Fame.
He was also recognized for his contributions to agriculture and community and was awarded:
• 1967 Alberta Achievement Award
• 1974 RCMP Scroll
• 1977 Queen’s 25th Anniversary Medal
• 1992 Commemorative Medal 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada
• 2005 Alberta Centennial Medal
• 2003 Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal
• 2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal
He and his wife, ReNee, had six children, 20 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Church, 220 20th St., Fort Macleod, on Monday July 25, at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow at Fort Macleod Auction Market, 813 14th Street, Fort Macleod.
barbara.duckworth@producer.com
