Moosomin rodeo arena renamed in honor of Angus Turpie
July 22, 2024, 9:51 am
On Saturday, July 13, at the Moosomin Bulls & Broncs event, a special presentation was made to rename the Moosomin rodeo arena in honor of Angus Turpie.
Following is the speech that was read out at the rodeo that night:
Angus Turpie was always a firm believer in contributing what you could for your community.
Angus served as councillor for Division 2, RM of Moosomin No. 121. He proudly served in this capacity for 39 years before making a personal choice to retire in 2011.
Angus believed strongly in the importance of planning for the future, both in agriculture and in the services available to the local community residents and their families. He worked faithfully on council, his committees of council and as Deputy Reeve. He was never heard to complain about attending meetings or to refuse to take on any responsibility or task that came his way. When the opportunity arose, he attended provincial SARM conventions, always interested in what he could learn or bring back to be useful in some way to make his home community a better place to farm and live.
His involvement within the RM capacity includes:
• Councillor (1972-2011) – 39 Years
• Deputy Reeve (1996-2004) – 8 Years
• President Moosomin Vet Board (1980-2010) – Spearheading the current local Vet Clinic – 30 Years
• Hospital Building and Planning Advisory Committee (2000-2011) – 11 Years
• Moosomin & District Regional Park Board Member (1962-2011) – 49 Years
• Chairman Moosomin Conservation & Development Area Authority for Area #3 – Water Management (1962 – 2011) – 49 Years
• Represented the RM within the Moosomin Small Loans Co-op Program – Gateway REDA – (1990-2008) – 18 Years
The length of these terms was a great indication that his commitment and municipal skills gained the support and respect of his fellow peers.
The hospital, doctors, veterinary clinic, regional park, water, economic development and the rural community were of great importance to Angus and he was willing to work hard in all these areas to make a more vibrant and economically healthy community.
In addition to his municipal participation, Angus was active in other community sectors as well. His interests led him to participate in the local Curling Club from 1950-1995 (45 Years) and he was president when the new rink was built.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge, receiving his 30 year pin, associate member of the Royal Canadian Legion (17 years), board member for the Moosomin Museum Society (17 years), board member of Four Moosomin School Reunion Committees in 1982, 1992, 2000 and 2005, member on Four Creeks Watershed Committee and the Pipestone Watershed Committee, member of St. Alban’s Presbyterian Church and an avid supporter of 4-H programs, minor sports, charity events and the Moosomin Agricultural Society.
Angus was nominated by The RM of Moosomin and received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award Medal for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan.
Angus’ goal was that he wanted to make rural Saskatchewan a better, more stable, stronger, and fun place to live and to raise your family.
The Turpie family moved to the Moosomin Gaol Farm, first renting and then purchasing it in 1949. Angus farmed with his father and brothers for many years. Eventually it became Angus and his wife Irene along with Angus’ brother Donald remaining on the farm. Angus and Irene raised their family on this farm just south of Moosomin. Many of Angus’ family have continued with his love of farming right here at Moosomin as well.
It is the Turpie family’s recollection that in the mid 1970s, Angus and Irene Turpie and Angus’ brother Donald Turpie, donated a portion of this land to the town of Moosomin for expansion and development. Currently this piece of land includes the hockey rink, convention centre, sportsplex, rodeo grounds, ball diamonds, football field, soccer fields, mini golf, volleyball courts, basketball court, and an outdoor hockey arena.
It is with great honor that we, as the Moosomin Rodeo Committee, rename the existing rodeo arena The Angus Turpie Memorial Arena, from this day forward. We are honored to be able to recognize this impactful individual who made so many contributions to our great community.
