March 7th, 2008

Story & photos by Mark McMillan

Alan Fry - Artistic Achievements

Jake Coutlee - Working Cowboy

Percy Minnabarriet - Competitive Achievements

Maiden Creek Ranch - Century Ranch

Hugh McLennan did his usual terrific job of MCing the induction ceremony and it was another great, and memorable, evening with four very deserving inductees. Three of the four were present to personally except their award and Percy (deceased) had a huge number of the Minnabarriet family there to receive his.

They all got to say a "few" words if they wished, and at times these speeches got to be very entertaining! One of the evening highlights, though, was when Jake Coutlee was inducted and they asked that anyone in the audience who had ever cowboyed with Jake please come up on stage so they could get a group photo! It was a pretty emotional moment when the camera shutters started to click and capture this little part of BC (Douglas Lake Ranch in particular) cowboy history as 25 cowboys joined Jake on stage! We know that there were others across the road too, but they didn't make this photo.

Unfortunately this is the only photo that I have of the 2008 BC Cowboy Hall of Fame Kamloops Induction Ceremony at this point in time. It is however, a pretty special photo, and we would really like to give a special thanks to Liz Twan who took the photo and sent it to us! Only one inductee is in it - Jake Coutlee. Jake is wearing a brown shirt and white hat - about the third guy left of centre.

Kamloops Awards (Click on the pic for a bigger view)

Hall of Fame Inductees at Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo April 20th, 2008:

Mulvahill - Family

John and Rosalie Siebert - Working Cowboys

Pan Phillips - Ranching Pioneer

The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin in Williams Lake put on another incredible and very successful Hall of Fame pre-induction ceremony reception. I think that there was well over 100 people present and everyone of them should have had a good time, and definitely not left hungry. There were many trays of food and a large area where everyone could meet, greet, and eat. As a bonus this year everyone got to see Roy Mulvahill pull up with a team and wagon!

Horse & wagon

The hardest part was trying to get everyone from each family together for a group photo. We did manage, I think, and I'm sorry if we missed anyone. Here are some of the photos that were taken in the Museum.

Siebert family

Pan Phillips family

Mulvahill family

After the reception everyone headed over to the Williams Lake Indoor Rodeo and watched the show. At intermission, in the middle of the arena, the Hall of Fame Induction took place. All went well and the Indoor Rodeo Committee was super to deal with! It was a memorable day for all involved.

For more details, see the BC Cowboy Heritage Society Hall of Fame Archives page at www.bcchs.com. Information can also be obtained by contacting the Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin at 250-392-7404 or by email to mccwl@uniserve.com. See their website at www.cowboy-museum.com.

Nominations for next year's BC Cowboy Hall of Fame must be in before December 1st, 2008