Blair Hector Vold

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Blair Hector Vold, our beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, dad, and papa.

Blair was born in Ponoka, Alberta, on October 13, 1955. He graduated from Ponoka Composite High School in 1973, and went on to pursue a career in the cattle industry alongside his father, Ralph.

In 1957 Ralph formed Vold Jones & Vold (VJV) Auction Mart alongside his brother Harry, and business partners, Bill and Shorty Jones. Blair wasn’t far behind his dad’s footsteps, and stepped into the auction market business as a teenager, and so began a career that spanned decades. Much like his parents, Blair got his pilot’s license and flew around western Canada, securing cattle sales for VJV. In 1991, Blair and best friend Brant Hurlburt spearheaded the Canadian Satellite Livestock Auction, which was a revolutionary shift in livestock marketing in Canada, allowing producers to sell their cattle to a broader audience via satellite TV.

In 1980, Blair joined the Ponoka Stampede Board of Directors and served as President for three terms. In addition to his Presidency, he took great pride in organizing the infield and main stage concert acts, always striving to bring the most authentic Wild West entertainment to the Ponoka Stampede. 

Blair also served on the Livestock Markets Association of Canada (LMAC) board of directors for over 10 years, and in 2017 was inducted into the LMAC Hall of Fame. He is former president of the Alberta Auction Market Association (AAMA), and Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) vice-chair. He was deeply passionate about the art of auctioneering and was steadfast in his support of the auctioneers on his staff.

Blair is survived by his wife Sheryl; son Nansen and wife Jennifer (Jayden, Cheyanna); daughters Labrie and husband Allen Kruger (Taylor, Reid),  and Gjenna and husband Dave Saretsky (Jack, Emma); his step-daughter Sarah (Lyric, Bella and Arrianna); his mother Dolores; brother Ryan (Ellie); sisters Cathy Wiancko (Joe), Lori, and Vicky Robinson (Duane); his numerous cousins, nieces, nephews; and his beloved dog Odie.

He was predeceased by his father Ralph and his step-son Cooper.

The Vold family would like to give their sincere thank you to Dr. Halse, Angie Rentz, and Christina Wedin for their care and compassion, as well as the Ponoka Home Care staff.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Rodeo Historical Association (Box 18069, Shawnessy RPO, Calgary, AB. T2Y 0K3) and the Ponoka Arts, Recreation, and Culture Society (Ponoka PARCS, 5013 49 Ave. Ponoka, AB. T4J 1R5).

A celebration of Blair’s life will be held at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds Grandstand on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. The doors will open at 12:30 p.m. to allow for seating and Blair’s cocktail hour.

The video recording of the ceremony is located below.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Blair Hector Vold, please visit our floral store.