A local agriculture legend is leaving a large legacy behind after decades of work in southern Alberta. Lethbridge native Ken Hurlburt passed away Sunday at the age of 88.
His accomplishments are as vast as they are impressive. In addition to opening the Fort Macleod Auction Market, Hurlburt pioneered the concept of selling land by auction in Alberta.
“He’s as well-known in the livestock industry probably as any auctioneer,” Southern Alberta Livestock Exchange manager Justin Keeley said. “I don’t care if it was 50 years ago or five years ago.”
Hurlburt received a number of awards throughout his life for community service, including:
- 1967 Alberta Achievement Award
- 1974 RCMP Scroll
- 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
Later in his life, Hurlburt’s gift of working with people landed him in politics. He served as Fort Macleod mayor and became a Member of Parliament for the Progressive Conservitive party from 1972 to 1979.
“He always called himself a jack of all trades and a master of none,” said Hurlburt’s son Thane. “But I think he mastered more than he gave himself credit for. So many people flocked to him and considered him a friend for so many years.”
Hurlburt loved the auction market and his ranch. But above all else, he loved his family.
“He cared about people second, but he cared about family first,” Thane said. “He made sure that he always had time for his kids and his grandkids. People knew he really cared about them and I think that’s what I’m going to miss most.”
A memorial service for Hurlburt will be held on July 25 in Fort Macleod at the Trinity United Church at 2 p.m., with a reception to follow at the Fort Macleod Auction Market.