The Valene and Wayne Everett Memorial Fund, created by the Everett children and Bob Pearce and his family, celebrates the lasting legacy of Valene and Wayne Everett. This fund supports the Valene and Wayne Everett Bursary, administered by the Cattlemen’s Martin Riedemann Society, providing financial assistance to students pursuing careers in agriculture and ranching. Click here to apply or for more information.
Valene and Wayne began their ranching journey in British Columbia in 1958 by leasing the Perry Ranch near Cache Creek. By 1963, they had purchased the Hutchison/XH Ranch near 70 Mile. Their commitment to ranching continued with the purchase of the old Bostock (Whittner) Ranch in Monte Creek in 1966, which they operated alongside a partner under the name Garway Ranch. A few years later, the ranch was divided, leading to the formation of the Rio Vista Ranch around 1970.
Throughout their distinguished career, Valene and Wayne were at the forefront of ranching innovation in BC. Their pioneering efforts included chopping hay for cattle feed at the Perry Ranch, introducing corn silage production at the Rio Vista, importing Simmental cattle for crossbreeding, and exporting cattle to Greece.
Valene worked alongside Wayne, wearing many hats on the ranch over the years. Whether driving the tractor or truck, changing sprinkler lines, or saddling up to move cattle, she was always ready for any task. Despite the demands of ranch life, Valene also took on numerous responsibilities at home. She managed all the bookkeeping and cooked for the harvest crews and cowboys. Her greatest accomplishment, however, was raising five children during those busy years.
In her spare time, Valene dedicated herself to community causes. She canvassed for the Cancer Society and Heart and Stroke Foundation, and during elections, she was always willing to help with any job needed. The hospice was another cause close to her heart, and she was involved from the very beginning. Valene went on to volunteer in the store and later served as a grief counselor for many years.
Wayne’s leadership also extended beyond their ranch as he served on the Canadian Feed Board for a decade and held significant roles with the B.C. Cattleman’s Association and the B.C. Simmental Association.
After retiring from ranching in 1989, Valene and Wayne’s contributions to the industry have left a lasting legacy. The Valene and Wayne Everett Memorial Fund, which supports a scholarship at the Cattlemen’s Martin Riedemann Society, continues to honor their dedication and innovation in the agricultural community.