Condolences to Dwayne Congdon’s loved ones
Those of us at Canadian Cattlemen were sad to learn from the Bashaw Ag Society that Dwayne Congdon passed away. Congdon was a long-time chair of the Bashaw show committee and was the brave individual that took the reins from Bob Prestage as the announcer of the show activities for many years.
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who cared more about youth and children than Congdon and he did it in a kind and gentle way. He volunteered for years in many capacities. He was seen as an exceptional leader, volunteer, incredible hockey coach, a 4-H leader and supporter. Most importantly, the town and area knew him as Santa, with the most authentic suit ever. He was a highlight of many lucky children’s Christmas.
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Congdon has left a legacy. The Bashaw Ag Society thanks him for his love of the agricultural industry, youth and community.
Condolences to the loved ones of Fred Taylor
Well-known meat grader and cattle judge Taylor Taylor of High River passed away on December 25, 2021, at the age of 69 years.
Born in Gainsborough, Sask., Taylor spent his early years in the farming community of Pierson, Man., farming with his father, Walter Taylor. Fred attended the local 4-H beef club where he became rooted in the community.
Taylor played junior hockey in Dauphin, Man., and later scouted for the Moose Jaw Warriors. His love of hockey continued throughout his life and led to many friendships within the hockey community.
In 1977 Taylor took a position with Agriculture Canada as a meat inspector in Winnipeg. Here he met his wife, Connie, on the harvest floor at Burns Meats, where she worked as a veterinarian for Agriculture Canada. Fred and Connie were married and had two children, Zac and Darby, while living and working on the farm in Pierson. As a family they moved across the Prairie provinces, living first in Moose Jaw, Sask., and then residing in High River.
Taylor spent the rest of his career as a beef grader for the Canadian Beef Grading Agency. Taylor founded Taylor Made Research, where he processed research cattle for several cattle associations and university researchers. Taylor was well-known and respected in the beef industry. He spoke often to consumers, producers, packers and retailers, educating them about the importance of beef grading and promotion. Taylor also wore many hats in the agriculture community. He judged 4-H shows across Canada, was a committee chair and judge with the Calgary Stampede, had close ties to the Angus Association, raised purebred Angus cattle and became well-known for his cooking, especially his smoked ribeye beef.
Taylor would always say, “You can never know too many people.” This statement was evident in how he lived all aspects of life. Taylor was larger than life. He was so proud of his family, the lives they lived, and most importantly that they had a personal relationship with the Lord. Taylor made time for everyone. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him in the cattle industry and all of us at Canadian Cattlemen.
