On this page:

1. Sheila Stephen memorial Scholarship
2. Good Shepherd’s Nomination
3. Shepherds Past Memorial

The Sheila Stephen Memorial Scholarship

The Stephen family had a long history in the sheep industry in Canada. Sheila Stephen, daughter of long time sheep breeders Bill and Marian Stephen of Strathmore area, was killed in a tragic industrial accident in May of 1999. 

The Memorial scholarship is for young sheep producers pursuing post secondary education. 

Sheila’s grandfather Jock Stephen came to Canada from Scotland in 1921. In 1926 he secured a Shepherd position on the CPR farm in Tilley, Alberta. In 1935 the CPR moved his family to the CPR farm near Strathmore after they sold the Tilley farm to the Eastern Irrigation District. The farm was home to at least 100 ewes each of registered suffolk and registered hampshires. 

Stud suffolk rams were imported from England and the hampshires from the USA. Their sheep travelled to many shows and sales. Each fall about 40 rams were sent to the Salt Lake ram sale in Odgen, utah (a prestigious sale in western North America) where they sold very well. 

Jock was also successful at the Royal Winter Fair winning many classes. 

In 1944, the CPR sold the livestock from the Strathmore farm. The purebred percheron horses, yorkshire pigs and holstein cattle were dispersed as well as other livestock and sheep. Harry Viner bought the sheep farm and the sheep. The sheep eventually were sold to Phil Rock of Rockville stock farm. (memories of Charlie Stephen Aug 2011). 

Jock’s son Bill Stephen followed his father’s footsteps and after marrying Marian they became well known for their solid, sturdy and dependable lines of north country cheviots and suffolks. They were also successful in the various shows in Canada. Bill was also asked to judge various shows in western Canada. 

Sheila, Bill and Marian’s daughter, learned showmanship and other shepherding skills from her parents and was preparing to take a more active role in the farm when her tragic accident ended her life in 1999. 

When Sheila died, the need to emphasize youth in agriculture became apparent. The Alberta Sheep Breeders Association took donations in her memory and the “Sheila Stephen memorial scholarship” was started.  Congratulations to Tori Anderson, the 2025 recipient.

Charlie Stephen

ASBA would like to thank the estate of Charlie Stephen for their generous contribution of $10,000 to the Sheila Stephen Memorial Scholarship. Charlie was involved with ASBA in the 1950’s while he was the University of Alberta Shepherd, showing their family involvement runs deep within the sheep industry.

Want to Contribute?

We are always accepting donations into the scholarship fund! Just e-transfer to absheepbreeders.ca and put in the comments “memorial scholarship”.

2026 Memorial Application Form

1. Applicant, Parent or Guardian must be a current member of the ASBA
2. Applicant must be enrolled in a college, university, or apprenticeship program and provide proof of enrollment
3. past recipients are not eligible to apply
4. Application must be received by September 30, 2026

The Sheep Producers of North Central Alberta Educational Foundation Bursary

Congratulations to Avery Corbiere for winning the bursary in 2025!

Good Shepherd Award

Intended to recognize sheep producers who have made valuable contributions to the sheep industry in Alberta.

Shepherds Honoured in the Past

1992 Chester Fowler

1993 Jack Francis

1994 Helen Annis

1997 Ross Mouser

1997 Joyce McCart

1997 Bill and Marian Stephen

1999 Gordon Fulton

1999 Mike Rieberger

1999 Lana Cadsand

2001 Peggy Newman

2005 Gerry Schneider

2009 Clarence and Karen Jones

2009 John and Edith Williams

2013 Alan and Liz Breakey

2013 John and Nel Haarman

2013 Sue Hosford 

2015 Gwen Hopkins

2017 Glen and Kathy Parker

2019 Dr Ileana Wenger & Dan Sinclair, Dr Chris Clark, Roger Albers

2023 Tracy and Rod Jordan, Jordan Livestock

Shepherds Past Memorial

This memorial came into being as a way to recognize and honor those who have made a contribution to the Canadian sheep industry.   

Canadian Co-operative Woolgrowers in Lethbridge has agreed to donate wall space in their store to hang the board.  

If there is a past producer who you feel has made a contribution to the Canadian sheep industry or who has positively influenced or helped you personally you are welcome to include them in this memorial.  

To have someone’s name added simply fill out the form  and send it to Warren or Norine along with $10.00 to cover the cost of having their name put on the board.   

Please forward your request to:  

SECOND CHANCE LIVESTOCK COMPANY  

Warren & Norine Moore Box 203, Stavely, Alberta T0L 1Z0  

Phone:  (403) 549-2464    FAX:  (403) 549-2465 email:  wnsheep@cciwireless.ca 

Make your cheque payable to: Warren and Norine Moore