Larden’s honoured with Keith Schneider award

Andrea Roberts
Times Intern

 

It came as a shock for Don and Carolyn Larden when their names were called to receive the Keith Schneider award on July 31 at the Strathmore Stampede.
Carolyn had set herself up so she could take pictures of the award winners while Don was back in his spot at the catching pens when their family walked in the arena.
That’s when the announcer called their names and they knew they were being honoured.
“We were very surprised,” said Don. “We were both very honoured to get the award named for one of the best mayors we have ever had and the greatest person too.”
The couple have dedicated many years of their lives to volunteering and helping in the community. Don was involved in coaching hockey and girl’s ball as well as volunteering with the Strathmore Lion’s Club.
Carolyn helped tutor school children at Wheatland Elementary as well as being part of the Christmas Hamper program. The one thing they have in common with their volunteer work is the Strathmore Rodeo.
It was Don who fell in love with the sport after he attended his first rodeo in Strathmore with his then two-year-old daughter when the rodeo grounds were between Kinsmen Lake and the fire hall. So began the Larden’s affair with the Strathmore Stampede.
For the past 30 years Don has taken his place behind the chutes for the timed events such as bull dogging, team roping and the tie down. This year, along with receiving the award, he also received a broken rib courtesy of a runaway calf that ran over him.
While Carolyn wasn’t behind the scenes, she used to be one of the 50/50 ticket sellers until she injured her foot making it hard to walk. Despite this injury, she wouldn’t let it stop her and so she picked up a camera and a new hobby.
The two have no plans of stopping their volunteering work. The former owners of Lar-Don rentals recently handed the business down to their son and officially call themselves semi-retired, which leaves time for their volunteer work.
“We have been doing it for so long and we enjoy it,” said Don. “So long as our health keeps us going, we will go back.”