When you think auction and rodeo in Central Alberta, the name Jack Daines is almost synonymous with both.
On Wednesday, a ceremony took place at the Highway 590 overpass over the QE II Highway in Innisfail naming the overpass the “Jack Daines Memorial Overpass”. In a release by the Government of Alberta they share that Jack Daines was a larger-than-life figure who dedicated his life to promoting rodeo, selling cattle and maintaining the cowboy way of life in central Alberta.
Jack introduced the rodeo world to Mutton Busting, a children’s sheep riding event, to include kids in rodeo action, which is now an event at major rodeos throughout North America. He was inducted as a builder into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, for his contributions to rodeo, and into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2000.
Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, Devin Dreeshen, noted that the naming is a fitting tribute to the legend. “Naming this overpass in Jack’s honour is a fitting tribute to the legacy he left behind. He was a competitor, announcer, promotor of rodeo and tireless fundraiser for many groups and organizations over the years. The Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo, which Jack founded in 1961, is a major stop on the pro rodeo circuit to this day, attracting fans from across the country.”
The Daines family is truly honoured for this recognition according to Duane Daines. “Our family is deeply honoured by this tribute to Jack. He loved this community, the rodeo world and the people he met along the way. We are truly grateful to the Government of Alberta for recognizing his legacy in such a lasting and meaningful way.”
Many in our region also know Jack Daines as the voice on the radio for the Innisfail Auction Mart. Daines was born in 1936 and passed away in December 2021 at the age of 85.
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