Calgary (Rural Roots Canada) – Ed Braun spent much of his career as a consultant and appraiser in the agricultural sector. As a result, he was naturally drawn to the Calgary Stampede where he volunteered for more than 45 years. His love for John Deere tractors led him to the Stampede’s Farm Equipment Committee, where he helped organize the vintage tractor pull. Ed passed away in March after a battle with cancer.
Less than a month later, Barrie Jung, who ran the sled for the Calgary Stampede for years, also passed away. A man of many talents, Barrie would often travel to tractor pull events with his 1955 Oliver Super 99 tractor.
With loss and legacy casting a long shadow over this year’s vintage tractor pull at the Stampede, Ethan Bruan, grandson of Ed and sub-chair of the farm equipment committee, navigated the event without the guiding hand of his grandfather for the first time. He recalled fond memories of helping his grandpa in the booth as a child and expressed pride in continuing the family tradition at the Stampede.
“It was tough to do it without him, but everyone is saying that it’s great that I’m keeping it going for our family,” said Ethan.
Helping to ease some of the pain of the loss, the committee surprised the Braun family by creating the Ed Braun Memorial Trophy, which, this year, was awarded to Colin Woodley from Blackie, Alberta, a well-regarded member of the vintage tractor community and who’s vintage tractor was prominently displayed at the Stampede, adding an extra layer of meaning to the event.
“We were honoured by being awarded the Ed Braun memorial trophy,” acknowledged Woodley. “I knew there was going to be a memorial award, and I was so honoured to be the recipient. It wasn’t something I was expecting it and it was so cool to meet the family and his grandkids and have the family honour me.”
“I think Colin is a very good representation of the farm equipment community. Nice guy, easy to talk to, and with such good stories to tell,” says Ethan.
On the passing of Barrie, Ethan says his knowledge and enthusiasm were such an integral part of the pull, and his absence was felt this year.
“Barrie was so knowledgeable about all things tractor pull. He was always so happy to come to Stampede and be part of the event. It’s tough to see him gone, too,” Ethan reflected.
READ MORE ABOUT BARRIE: Stopping vintage tractors in their tracks: the art of sled pulling
The committee’s resilience was evident when the vintage tractors roared into the Nutrien Western Event Centre, with the crowd roaring their approval for the vintage power on display. As the committee looks ahead, they carry with them the memories and contributions of Ed Braun and Barrie Jung and remain steadfast in their dedication to preserving the long history of the tractor pull.
