Brian Burby
April 24, 1943 – November 4, 2025
Brian Burby (R) proudly receiving the 1999 WPCA Judging Award from chuckwagon driver Rick Fraser (L)
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the news that former outrider, chuckwagon judge, and active supporter Brian Burby passed away after a battle with cancer on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the age of 82 years.
Brian began his chuckwagon career in 1963 at the Calgary Stampede, serving as an outrider for the likes of Ivan Garby, Bob Dimmer, and Jack Gill. He outrode at the Calgary Stampede for ten years, until 1972. In 1968, he made the trip south to outride at the Cheyenne Frontier Days.
In his final Calgary Stampede in 1972, Brian was part of one of the most unusual events ever to occur at the Rangeland Derby. As an outrider for Ivan Garby’s outfit, the Garby wagon received a no-time every night for the first five nights of the Stampede. This resulted in Garby’s sponsor, Bert the Coffeeman, withdrawing his sponsorship and forcing Garby to withdraw from the remainder of the competition. It remains the only time a competing chuckwagon has failed to complete a single race at the Calgary Stampede.
After retiring from outriding in 1972, Brian began helping chuckwagon drivers Tom and Dallas Dorchester throughout the mid-1970s as a barn hand with their outfits. While working for the Dorchesters, they achieved a great deal of success with victories at shows in Ponoka, High River, and many others.
In 1978, Brian started his career as a chuckwagon judge with the Canadian Rodeo Cowboys Association (CRCA) under the mentorship of longtime head judge George Kitchen. When the chuckwagon drivers left the CRCA to form the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) in 1981, Brian was a founding member and one of the organization’s original judges.
Brian judged full-time from 1981 until 2000, when he took a step back to judge on an as-needed basis. However, part-time judging didn’t last long—he returned to judging full-time in 2004 and continued until his retirement in 2014, giving him over 50 years of active involvement with chuckwagon racing as an outrider, active supporter, and chuckwagon judge. Brian remained a big fan of the chuckwagon races right up to his passing.
During his tenure as a chuckwagon judge, Brian was twice honoured with the WPCA Judging Award, presented to the member of the judging staff recognized for outstanding abilities and contributions to ensuring fair and efficient racing. He received this award in 1999 and 2012, both times chosen by his peers.
Brian will be lovingly remembered by his wife Fran; three sons Mike Georgeff of Red Deer County, Kevin Georgeff of Millet, Alberta, and Scott (Darla) Georgeff, also of Red Deer County; his daughter Donita (Vince) Fowler of Calgary; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and close friends. He was predeceased by his parents Mary and Leo Burby; his wife Barb in 2019; two brothers John and Bill; and three sisters Margaret Swanson, Joan Merryfield, and Irene Bricker.
With respect for Brian’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. If desired, memorial donations in his memory may be made directly to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4R 3S6 (www.reddeerhospice.com).
Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located here.
Brian will be deeply missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Burby family.
Billy Melville
