Volunteer receives Keith Schneider recognition

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Surrounded by his fellow volunteers and his family, Bruce Bishop was moved to tears when he was caught off-guard and presented with the Keith Schneider Award for his years of hard work and volunteer efforts.
Bishop, who’s been volunteering in Strathmore for over 31 years, including taking on a crucial role for the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games and never wavering to lend a helping hand with the Strathmore Lions Club, was not expecting the recognition on Aug. 2.
“I walked out there with my wife and kids and I didn’t see them so I didn’t know what was going on until they told me to turn around,” recalled Bishop.
“I like to keep busy and it’s part of the family. My dad and my sister each worked for their community and always volunteered. I knew Keith and I knew him all the time he was alive.”
Bishop added that receiving this specific award carries more weight because of what and who it represents.
The Strathmore and District Agricultural Society dedicated their excellence award to Keith Schneider, a former mayor and an influential person in the community, in 2010. Having received the award himself, Pascal Del Guercio, chairman of the Strathomre Pro Rodeo Committee, can’t think of anyone more deserving to have accepted the recognition this year.
“Bruce Bishop has been a big worker here for many years, I can’t tell you how long… and last night it was his turn,” said Del Guercio. “When you see an old man cry you know you’ve touched their heart. It’s special to recognize him for the work he’s done. I’ve been around here a long time and it seems that besides the seagulls out here on a regular basis, I see Bruce. He’s a workaholic and he’s always here. I don’t remember a year when he hasn’t been here.”
Bishop is the second Strathmore Lions Club member to have received the award, with Gordon Prusky having been awarded the honour previously.
While Bishop is not one to sit still, he planned on putting up his feet for a bit once all the Strathmore Stampede clean-up was taken care of on Aug. 3.