There are people who always look forward to seeing at the Cochrane Lions Labour Day Weekend Rodeo. Among them is Ted Westerson who's name is synonymous with Cochrane's grandest tradition.

Since 1966, Ted, 74, has been a part of every Lions rodeo, serving as chute boss, rodeo director and pretty much anywhere help is required. He even met his wife, Joan, at the rodeo dance and they were married the next year in 1967.

Taking a step back further, he helped build the rodeo grounds in 1964 and was at the first rodeo held there in 1965 before it was taken over by the Lions the following year.

"I was there in '64 when the Lions started building it, helping them, and then I went to the rodeo and started volunteering. And then I got married the next year."

He also went on to joined the Lions Club in 1978.

Even before this, he fondly recalls attending rodeos at the Horse Creek Rd. grounds.

"I remember as a kid riding my bicycle there from Cochrane to go to the rodeo," says Ted.

The Cochrane rodeo, though, is just one of the reasons why Ted was named the fifth recipient of the Don Edge Memorial Cowboy of the Year Award during the Sept. 2 rodeo session.

Family, ranching and rodeoing. Ted is proud of them all and when it came to receiving the award, he was modest.

"After the award. I couldn't get away from everybody coming along and congratulating me," says Ted, who was a little shellshocked.

"Mum" was the word and it wasn't until Ted was being carted out to the heart of the rodeo arena that he realized what was happening.

He was asked to pick up someone at the gate with a quad, but the tables were turned.

"Cody said, ‘Okay, get over, you're the passenger.’ That's when it hit me. Unbelievable. It was a shock, and it was quite an honour."

"Ted is a true cowboy, rancher and great rodeo volunteer," wrote Andy Hall in the script for the announcer. "He has lived every aspect of his life as a man with pride, dignity, integrity and kindness. A true gentleman and a friend."

Ted didn't exclusively work at the rodeo here. He travelled extensively in Canada and the States with the Senior Pro Rodeo and was part of the infield crew for the Calgary Stampede for 27 years. He and his wife were also heavily involved with the Foothills Cowboy Association.

"I tell you what, it was quite a deal. It was pretty cool. I had a good time rodeoing and we met a lot of people. It's been quite a rollercoaster ride and it's been great."

Working rodeos is the charm for Ted, but being in one? Nope.

"I tried it once, and that was enough. I prefer to help out at rodeos."

Ted and Joan are long-time Cochrane residents and proud members of the ranching community. Joan's roots here go back to the 1870s and Ted's family arrived in the 1940s.

"It's a good life. I use to have my own business and everything but then my brother-in-law broke his collarbone and he asked for my help."

That was 35 years ago.

"I've been out there ever since."

Since he was young, Ted also knew the late Don Edge and worked with him at the local rodeo, at the Stampede and in the ranching community.

"I worked with Donald off and on for 40 years."

While Ted has gone on to take on smaller duties at the rodeo, it still very much pumps through his veins.

"I keep busy and whatever I can do, I do. That's the main thing."

Don Edge Memorial Award

When Don Edge passed, the Cochrane Lions decided they needed to establish an award to honour people who are part of the area's proud Western heritage, says Rodeo co-chair Kevin Firkus.

"They aren't just people that have worked at the Cochrane Rodeo," he explains. "It's people who help keep the lifestyle of our Western heritage."

John Copithorne was the first recipient and he speaks highly of Don and his family.

"Don started a lot of rodeos, provided a lot of good inspiration and knowledge and that all came from his very successful rodeo career," says Copithorne. "He was always a community man and always aware and knowledgeable about the Western way. He was an excellent cattle rancher."

"He had the opportunities and he always made sure he was there to help out whoever he could, whether it was putting on a rodeo or finding a place to have a rodeo. Every community has one and we were fortunate to have Don."

"I'm honoured to be the first recipient of the Don Edge Memorial. I've always looked up to his family. His family has always been absolutely great with our family so when I was awarded that buckle, it was one of the highlights of my life in memory of a great guy."

Other past recipients are Doug Borton, Norman Edge and Doug Richards.