The wide range of charitable and community initiatives spearheaded by Dan Kroffat over the decades have one thing in common: the betterment of our society.

At the Feb. 12 town council meeting, Kroffat became the newest member of the Order of Cochrane, recognizing his vision, leadership and commitment to the community.

Mayor Jeff Genung applauded the contribution of Kroffat. He says they are planted at the grassroots level and aim to help the little guy.

"I think that's one thing, Dan, that you can be most proud of in what you've given back to our community is you've actually modelled behaviour for others to emulate you. It's small things, simple things, but they're always done with gratitude, selflessness and the community at heart."

Kroffat says he's humbled by the recognition and is quick to credit those who help to make them successful.

"This community is very modest. This community doesn't ask for anything in return. I think they enjoy what I enjoy, which is the satisfaction of seeing through an initiative to its completion, putting a smile on people's faces, and fulfilling the needs and goals that we're pursuing."

Kroffat has a marquee phrase he applies to all of his projects.

"I always say, 'Together we can do this,' and I think receiving that award exemplified that particular statement that together we did do this. It wasn't me alone. You know, it's quite a thing when you get people who are willing to participate. In all my years in Cochrane, any initiative that was worthy has never failed, and that doesn't speak to me, that speaks to the support of the community, how much they embrace worthy causes."

Even before moving here, Kroffat had an impact on the Cochrane area.

Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of a campaign to reopen the American border to Alberta beef during the BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) crisis (better known as mad cow disease).

"We raised over 100,000 names in support of ranchers and farmers during the BSE crisis. And then Alex (Baum) and I were invited to go to Ottawa."

There they met with government officials and were introduced in the House of Commons.

"We had a chance to talk about Cochrane and ranching and farming, and so that was probably the biggest event that kick started my association with Cochrane."

Not long afterward, he helped to raise $370,000 to assist those families being forced to move their mobile homes from the downtown core.

Kroffat always incorporates a creative touch. To help to raise funds and draw attention to Right to Play in 2012, he rallied the community to donate their pennies when Canada stopped producing them. The final weight--over 2,000 lbs.

"After that, it was one initiative after another over the years. It's been exciting, a lot of fun, but very rewarding, too. It gives you purpose in life to be able to have that kind of effect."

It's difficult to compile a full list of causes Kroffat has supported, but you can be assured when he decides to take on a project, he'll be relentless in his efforts. The execution is typically precise, thanks to advance footwork, phone calls, emails--you name it--to make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Some were just plain fun.

In a throwback to his hall of fame career as a professional wrestler, 'Cowboy' Kroffat helped to promote a ladder match at the Cochrane Ag Fair in 2019. He created the unique match in the early 1970s, which pitted two competitors against each other to retrieve a bag of money by climbing a stepladder.

Here are just a few of the events orchestrated by Kroffat covered by Cochrane Now over the years. 

Kroffat Going to Ottawa to Promote Secure Poppy Collection Boxes

Wow! Cenotaph Park Fundraiser Topples Target By Almost $1,000

"There's a bright light at the end of the trail," says Kroffat

Two months later, same 28 seniors feel optimistic, grateful to community

Swinging clubs to kick off fundraising for new multi-purpose centre

WATCH: Bike-a-thon launched to help build trail, promote active living

Community Builder Award Gala will be a night to remember

WATCH: The toilet paper has been tossed!

Despite coming up on his 79th birthday, Kroffat says his days of volunteering are far from over.

"The one thing about volunteering is there's no retirement date. There's no expiry date. If you have the health and the will, you know which I'm quite fortunate to have at this stage, I want to continue and pursue whatever I can do as I as I move forward."

Those projects include completing the trail to connect Cochrane to Calgary, and a fundraiser for the Mendoza family this Saturday.

Kroffat was nominated by two people for the Order of Cochrane.

"I was quite taken back by that," he admits. "I was told it hadn't happened before and I didn't really know the meaning of that. I'm really thankful that other people are thinking about the fact that you've made a contribution, and they wanted you to have that recognition. It was quite humbling."

Also nominated were Robert Hatch, Stephenie Shelstad, Renee Delwisch, and Marni Fedeyko. The recipient is determined by a secret ballot casted by town councillors.

Robin Harvie became the first member of the order in 2009. Other members are JoAnne Churchill. Valerie McCracken, Dr. Ross Watson, Susan Flowers, Betty and Denis Goodsell, Jack Tennant, Maureen Wills, Lydia Graham, Gordon Davies, Jimmy and Christina MacKay Family, and Barry Mjolsness.

Nominations open for the 2023 Order of Cochrane on Feb. 20.

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