Jean Wobeser was inducted into the Lloyd Ex Hall of Fame by committee chair, Garth George (left) and vice-chair Gord King at the Heart of the Farm Banquet. Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source
The Heart of the Farm Banquet, held in conjunction with Agri-Visions, was the event chosen for a very special presentation to a long-time supporter of the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association.
Jean Wobeser was officially inducted into the Lloyd Ex Hall of Fame in recognition of over 60 years of dedication.
“To say that I was honoured when Jean asked me to speak tonight would be the understatement of a lifetime,” said Sheila Phillips, who went on to explain her relationship with the Wobeser family.
“In 1973 on Neville Goss’s playground, a life-long friendship began between me and her oldest daughter Kelly. Kelly encouraged me to join Lloydminster’s Silver Spur Light Horse 4-H Club.”
“Her mom Jean, was the general leader. Jean led a very active club, bringing in an array of specialists to see that we not only learned to ride well but also had instruction from vets, farriers and feed specialists.”
She was born in Spalding, Sask. and loved animals from an early age, growing up on the farm.
Jean and her husband Dennis relocated to Lloydminster in 1961. Their three children Kelly, Wendy and Brady were all born in Lloydminster.
“Jean became involved in the horse activities at the Lloyd ex. One of Jean’s early activities was leading the local 4-H club, which she did for over 25 years,” said Phillips.
“She was the first female president of the Lloyd Ag Ex and served from 1994 to 1995. Over the years she was on numerous other committees.”
The Lloydminster fair was always a big event for Jean and family, as it has always included a strong horse component.
“The Wobeser motorhome would park on the exhibition grounds for the duration of the fair and the Silver Spur (horse show). But aside from sleeping there, Jean spent the rest of her time volunteering in one capacity or another,” said Phillips, adding it’s very likely the only event she ever missed was Achievement Day in 1973.
“That day she gave birth to Brady!”
In 1983, after getting a Golden Lab named Dixie, Wobeser began to focus on canine obedience and training.
“Her passion could likely be defined as a facilitator of building strong human-canine relationships. She has given countless duos basic dog instruction, dog obedience instruction,” said Phillips.
“Jean became very successful in both obedience and search and rescue. Jean’s continued passion and enthusiasm for helping build harmonious canine partnerships is infectious.”
Phillips said she has been asked before, how long Wobeser has ‘worked’ for the Lloyd Ex. And the answer is always the same.
“The fact is she was always a volunteer, who volunteered without expectation,” said Phillips.
“As individuals, we are grateful to have been influenced, taught, and mentored by Jean Wobeser. As a community, we are truly blessed by her over 60 years of active volunteerism.”
