Auctioneers are an integral part of the history of the province.
Farm and household auctions used to be the norm but today, auctions have expanded to include real estate, antiques and estates, commercial industrial, heavy equipment and charities.
The Saskatchewan Auctioneers Association (SAA) holds its annual convention at rotating locations throughout the province. This year North Battleford hosted the 37th annual SAA convention Feb. 12.
The SAA is governed by a board of directors elected, for three-year terms, by the members at the AGM. The board currently consists of Ken McDonald of Indian Head as president, Norm Mack of Estevan as vice-president, Jordan Clarke of Saskatoon as treasurer, and directors Dan Steen of Dundurn, Frederick Bodnarus of Saskatoon, Barrie Jung of Melfort, and Ross Taylor of Reston, Man. The board of trustees consists of Elwood Nelson of Meacham, Kim Kramer of North Battleford, Irvin Stevens and Ivan White of North Battleford. Recording secretary for both committees is Jo-Ann Ganzert.
SAA past president Ivan White presented outgoing president Robert Ross with a plaque honouring his six years of service on the board of directors as a professional, astute, and detailed member. Ross's contributions and efforts did not go unnoticed and were greatly appreciated by SAA members.
Two long time members were inducted into the Auction Era Hall of Honour. The Auction Era was opened at the North Battleford Western Development Museum in 1984 and is a historic display of auctioneering in the province. In 1995, the display expanded to honour auctioneers. Nominations are submitted to the Auction Era committee who then review the candidates based on the contribution made to their community, industry and association over the years. The induction is held every two years in North Battleford to honour and celebrate the auction pioneers and their contribution to the auction industry and province.
The two 2011 inductees were Richard J. Barnsley and William Douglas McConnell.
Norm Mack of Mack Auction Company in Estevan presented the background of inductee Richard Barnsley. Richard and Ann Barnsley were operating a successful welding and fabricating business, when Richard decided to start Midway Auction Service in 1989 after attending the World Wide School of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa. His intent was to conduct some benefit and household auctions, but soon he was presented with opportunities to conduct farm auctions.
He was fortunate to have learned the auctioneer business while working part time as an auctioneer with his peers. When Richard relocated his welding business to a newly constructed welding shop in 1985, it left an opportunity for him to conduct monthly household auctions in the previous structure.
Soon the business expanded to include farm and antique auctions. In 1997 the welding business was sold and in 1998 the auction business was sold to Ken and Elaine Baillie of Abernathy where Richard continued to assist with auctions during the ownership transition.
Today, Richard enjoys working on an 'as-needed' basis with Mack Auction Company Ltd. of Estevan and Bruce Schapansky of Tisdale.
Richard responded to the induction by indicating it was a great honour to be recognized by his peers. He acknowledged the hard work and support provided by not only his staff but his family.
"We are not only physically but morally supported by our spouses," emphasized Richard indicating auctions can be interesting, challenging and a learning experience.
He continues to mentor young auctioneers as he recalls the importance of having a mentor in his life. Richard concluded by singing The Auctioneer's Song.
Richard Mierau of Mierau Auction in Langham presented the background on inductee William Douglas McConnell.
Doug and Sophie McConnell moved many times throughout their married life as Doug fulfilled his duties working for the Department of Highways. The family settled in Assiniboia and that was where Doug received his first opportunity to auction by assisting Bill Fancourt, who operated a division of the Assiniboia Livestock Auction.
In 1987, when Doug retired from the Department of Highways, he joined the Saskatchewan Auctioneers Association and formed Doug McConnell Auction Sales and Service. Besides operating a successful auction business, Doug was committed to serving as SAA president, and director for both board of directors and board of trustees indemnity fund.
Doug sold his business to Grant Clarke, but continued to work with him under the name of Clarke & McConnell Auctions until Doug and Sophie's move to Saskatoon in 1998. He now continues to freelance as an auctioneer for other successful and reputable auction companies.
Doug responded by indicating what a privilege it was to receive the honour of being inducted. He has been fortunate to have worked with 27 different auction companies throughout his career and he acknowledged and credited the many people he has had the opportunity to work with.
"We must not forget those people who work behind the scenes," commented Doug. "These people contributed to the success of the sale and worked hard to ensure the sales and office ran efficiently."
Doug concluded by sharing personal memories and incidents at auction sales.
Besides managing and operating their own successful auction business, both inductees have assisted with benefit and charity auctions, served on local organizational committees, and were ideal ambassadors for the SAA. They are respected among their peers and continue to mentor other auctioneers.
