Courtney Housenga and Kathy Doyle presented the inaugural Becky Housenga Rural Roots and Community Spirit Award to Cecilie Fleming.
A woman who hs dedicated her life to young people and agriculture is the inaugural recipient of a new Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce Award.
Cecilie Fleming was cited as “a true pillar of the community” Thursday in receiving the new Becky Housenga Rural Roots and Community Spirit Award.
“Cecilie Fleming has dedicated her life to supporting youth and strengthening agriculture in our community, through mentorship, leadership and countless hours organizing agricultural events and cattle shows,” said Shayla Farrough, a Chamber director and master of ceremonies at the annual awards banquet.
“She has provided young people with invaluable opportunities to learn, grow and succeed,” Farrough added. “Her lasting impact can be seen in many successful agricultural leaders and businesses. She helped inspire many of them right here in Fort Macleod.”
The Becky Housenga Rural Roots and Community Spirit Award recognizes an individual, family or organization in the MD of Willow Creek, who strengthens the connections between rural heritage and community life.
The award honours those with generational roots, entrepreneurial spirit or rural traditions, bringing pride recognition or cultural enrichment to the Fort Macleod area.
Also nominated for the inaugural award, presented Thursday at the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall, were Marney Delver and the Vandervalk family.
Kathy Doyle of award sponsor ST Doyle Farms, said the late Becky Housenga was a wonderful lady, beautiful wife, loving mother and “uber-loving” grandmother.
Housenga died Oct. 10 after being thrown from her horse during a cattle round-up.
“It has meant so very much to have your support in carrying Becky’s spirit and memory forward as we recognize the incredible works happening throughout the MD of Willow Creek,” Doyle told the Chamber of Commerce.
“Becky was an individual who appreciated the many ways that rural community spirit, preservation of rural values, entrepreneurship and ambassadorship. She would have wanted this award to be an overarching, inclusive, open way to recognize the many ways these contributions are being made.”
Doyle said Housenga and her husband David were active residents of the MD of Willow Creek, and Becky embraced every part of being a farm and ranch wife.
In addition to working on the ranch, Becky started Going Green — Enviro Clean, a recycling company serving Fort Macleod and the MD of Willow Creek that she promoted on the TV show Dragon’s Den.
“A typical day for Becky at this point was that she could be rounding up stray cattle, pulling a calf, gathering recycling from here to Pincher Creek, attending a chamber meeting, and when serving as chamber president, writing to Parliament about needs in our community and MD of Willow Creek,” Doyle said. “She felt such joy in helping and in celebrating others that instead of exhaustion, she was energized by these activities.”
When Becky and David moved to their 70,000-acre spread at Big Creek, B.C. it left a hole in the community but friends were happy for the couple.
“As I wrap up my portion of our presentation, I’d like to thank each of the nominees for the differences you are making,” Doyle said. “You are obviously inspiring and uplifting those around you. Thank you for coming tonight and in Becky’s, in our books, you’re winners already.”
“And thank you, Becky, we will continue to celebrate you, your life, and how much you have touched us to be the best version of ourselves.”
Courtney Housenga told the audience her mother always considered Fort Macleod and district home, regardless of where she happened to be living.
“She said you couldn’t find better people than here, and she was so proud to be part of it.” Courtney said.
Courtney offered thanks on behalf of the family to the Chamber for naming the award in Becky’s honour.
“When someone is gone, they’re gone, but you’re left with memories,” Courtney said, adding that memories are sometimes not enough. “In my opinion, this is the most beautiful way she could have been honoured. She inspired everyone around her, and I think this award continues that inspiration.”
