Calvin Strandquist (Far Right and Inset)
April 1962 ~ December 2022
Keith Construction Outfit at the 1982 Calgary Stampede
(L-R): Outriders Garry Mayan, Chuck Coe, Driver Orville Strandquist, Outriders Rod Mailer, Calvin Strandquist
Photos Courtesy of Strandquist Family
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of former outrider and Active Chuckwagon Supporter Calvin Strandquist at the age of 60.
Calvin grew up around many rodeo and chuckwagon competitors in the Stettler area, so it was only matter of time before he would actively start competing as well. He competed at the Calgary Stampede in the Novice Bareback Competition in 1981 and 1982, and while he was there, he tried his hand at outriding for driver Orville Strandquist and the Keith Construction wagon in 1982.
Calvin wore many hats in and out of the arena. In addition to Outriding and riding Bareback horses, Calvin also worked as rodeo clown/bullfighter and eventually rode bulls professionally throughout North America. When his rodeo career was finished, Calvin returned to the chuckwagons and was part of driver Neal Walenbach’s crew for over 10 years and enjoyed a lot of success with the Walgenbach outfit. Calvin eventually left the chuckwagons and the Walgenbach outfit to train thoroughbred racehorses on the Alberta circuit. Calvin was an owned and trained some of his own horses and also trained horses for his father Cliff Strandquist and Don Litvak among others.
Calvin is survived by his wife of 35 years Lora Strandquist; his daughter Cally Strandquist (fiancé Levi Erickson); his mother Louella Strandquist; brother Brad (Kathy) Strandquist; nephew Cody Strandquist; other relatives and many dear friends.
He was predeceased by his grandparents Richard and Margaret Strandquist, Ches and Lottie Arnold, still born son Charelton April 9, 1991, his father Clifford September 23, 2021.
A Celebration of Calvin’s Life was held at the Stettler Funeral Home on Thursday, December 22, 2022. Memorial Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Calvin will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Strandquist family.
Billy Melville
