I’m a Calgarian. Not a real dyed-in-the-wool, live-in-the-city Calgarian, but I was born in a Calgary hospital. Soon as I was able, they took me and my mom back to the farm where I was raised.
There is a lot to be proud of if you’re a Calgarian. We’ve got the Flames hockey team, the Stampeders football team, and what’s the name of that lacrosse team … got it … the Roughnecks.
In fact, there are no shortages of events and landmarks in Calgary in which to take pride, but I’ve got a favourite. I’m a third-generation Calgary Exhibition and Stampede fan, promoter, and volunteer. To me, the Stampede defines Calgary and southern Alberta for that matter. This is cowboy country.
A few days ago, I had occasion to be on Stampede Park visiting an integral part of what makes us able to call the Stampede (in my opinion) “the greatest outdoor show on earth.” I was up in the Agriculture Department. It’s located on the second floor of what politely might be called a “heritage” building on the Park.
There’s a new agriculture showplace on the drawing board … stop! We better stick to my original thought … I could venture into political deep water, and I don’t swim well politically.
Back to the point I was trying to make. The Senior Agriculture Manager is retiring. His name is Don Stewart. He’s been part of the Stampede family for over two decades. If you were ever part of an agriculture-related event on the grounds, his skills enhanced your experience.
If you had a chance to meet him or deal with him, you know he’s a quality guy. My opinion is that when a stockman from the outside world becomes an administrator for an event like the Calgary Stampede everybody wins. Don Stewart’s years of service prove my point.
If I sound like a Stewart fan, that’s ‘cuz I am. It’s easy to admire a fellow whose work ethic is founded on the core principles of agriculture: work till the job’s done.
Now, I’m not going to tell you I remember his first day in the “Ag” department. I was out of school by then, but school only lasted those four grades leaving me pretty young to recall (that might be lie number one). Back to the facts as I see them…
The efforts of Mr. Stewart on behalf of agriculture were all marked by his personality. Apparently, downtown people have labels such as “management style.” If that’s the case, then Don’s style is the “Golden Rule.”
Don treats everyone with respect and thoughtfulness. He is an excellent listener to even the most outrageous ideas and concepts.
I know, because I’ve pitched some dillies to him. With that same unwavering professionalism, he’ll tell you where the bear does his business and pigs don’t fly.
Conversely, he will back you up till his nose bleeds if you have a legitimate idea to install wings on those pigs and scrape the bear dung off your shoes.
His “management style” extends to his staff, earning tremendous loyalty from those past and present. You don’t work for Don; you work with him. It’s just that easy. Skills are nurtured and developed. The man inspires effort through example and is quick to praise.
If you get to thinking he’s a little too soft, think again. I have had the frightening experience to see him take a stance. There is a side to him that’s not just firm, it’s hard. You could roller skate on that part.
Memories of Stampede Agriculture in action are numerous. I can recall countless crisis that, to Don, were mere “challenges.” His demeanor doesn’t include running frantically, panicking, yelling, or cussing out the nearest scapegoat. He thoughtfully takes a dip of snuff and remarks: “Ain’t that inconvenient. We’ll have to work around that one.”
This is the man who at 6 a.m. is command-central for the exchange of livestock exhibits two or three times during the ten-day Calgary Stampede.
With hundreds of exhibitors and animals on their way out, and just as many on their way in, tempers can be short. Each exhibitor is special, in their own mind. All need special attention and all get a piece of Don and his crew.
Don not only survives, but does so preserving one of the sacraments of Calgary: hospitality with a capital H. When the dust settles and every person and every critter is in a comfortable spot, we sometimes forget that it happened through “management style.” Thanks Don.
Later that day, he’ll have a smile and a handshake for every visitor, and a friendly word for the exhibitors. This might even be the day he puts on his cowboy hat and tuxedo to conduct the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. True story. He is not a single-dimensional guy.
Now, you maybe see why I’m a Don Stewart fan. His job is just like yours: it ain’t easy. The difference is all in how you do it. He does his well. What I used to think of as roadblocks and hurdles, he thinks of as challenges.
One day, he put that all in perspective for me. As he watched me obsess, worry needlessly, and generally waste time and energy (all of which I do too easily), he quietly interrupted and said: “You know Ron, as important as you think this detail is, the Calgary Stampede is going to happen.”
In other words, get a grip, Ron. Get a hold of the big picture. What a nice way Don has about kicking your behind. He did it, and I felt good about it. Now, that’s style!
I gotta wrap this up. This is a retirement, not a eulogy. Don Stewart: doors are open in your future. This retirement is the end of one chapter of your book. I know there are a lot more to come. Good luck.
I want to say on behalf of the equine industry a heartfelt thank you for your efforts at the Calgary Stampede. Folks like you don’t get the recognition they deserve as builders in agriculture.
I started off stating that I am a true believer in the Calgary Stampede. It epitomizes the Western values and principles I strive to live by. When this man walks off the Park for the last time as an active employee, I hope he knows what we all think of his contribution.
In words befitting the tradition of the Stampede, Don Stewart, in all the actions and representations you were called on to perform … YOU RODE FOR THE BRAND!
Horses All columnist Ron Anderson is a popular show and sale announcer, as well as a skilled competitor and trainer. He owns and runs Sylvancrest Stock Farm with his wife Marilyn.
