Scholarship in memory of Dylan Goodine
By Diana Walker
"Do not think of me as gone
I am with you still in each new dawn."
These lines, included in the Service of Remembrance for Dylan Goodine, who passed on January 25, 2024, at the age of 35 after a short battle with leukemia, inspired the Oyen community to attempt to raise enough money for a scholarship to honour this remarkable young man whose life touched so many. A devoted son, brother, grandson, husband, son-in-law, nephew, cousin, and friend, Dylan was cherished by all who knew him. His passion for cooking, mechanics, and music brought his family and friends joy, while his strength and courage in his battle with leukemia inspired his community. He will forever be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit.
Ride in Memory of Dylan Goodine: Not only the bikers but most of the attendees at the Car Show also signed the poster. Photo by Tracy Hudson, Remember When Photography
A few of the silent auction items. Photo by Diana Walker
Photos by Tracy Hudson, Remember When Photography, click for larger images and captions
A committee of the Big Country Agricultural Society chose to spearhead a fundraiser day. Festivities would be built around the theme of Car/Big Rig/Hot Rod Show on June 22 on Main Street in Oyen.
More than 250 people gathered for the complimentary Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce breakfast held south of the Lijdsman Insurance building in the Mehlayton parking lot. The menu included pancakes, sausages, scrambled eggs, and refreshments. ATCO provided the barbecue for cooking breakfast and burgers throughout the day. BCAS members provided 10 new resin-coated picnic tables from the Crossroads Centre for breakfast and the fully stocked beer gardens run by The Big Country Agricultural Society.
As people ate, cars and bikes began to arrive and line up on both sides of the street. About 10 o'clock, more bikes and cars, coming from a distance, rumbled into town. Donations for the silent auction held in the FCSS building flooded in. Visitors checked on the bidding frequently, upping their bid to be sure to take home that special item.
A flat deck nestled in front of Rocky Mountain Equipment provided a place for a music jam and karaoke with Gordon Stoddart on guitar, Linda Clark playing bass guitar and harmonizing with Jessica Bailey, lead singer. Pastor Brad Broadhead joined them with his trombone. Several brave young people joined Jessica with the karaoke machine. Everyone enjoyed the variety of music.
When bikers get together, no one is surprised when a burnout takes place. Stu Tilbert did not disappoint. When the smoke cleared, his back tire was nothing but shreds! Another fundraiser!
A few vendors set up along the sidewalk. Casey Lee, a member of the Breaking Ground Dance Studio, sold refreshments to assist with their trip to New York.
The Oyen & District Chamber of Commerce and Big Country Agricultural Society were especially passionate about bringing the Man Van to this year's car/hot rod/bike show to support prostate cancer awareness and men's health in our community. Thirty-one men signed in. Men's health often goes overlooked, and early detection is crucial for preventing serious conditions like prostate cancer. By offering this mobile clinic, they hoped to encourage men in our community to take proactive steps in monitoring their health. This initiative not only honours Dylan's legacy of giving back, but also ensures that we continue to support one another in the fight against diseases that affect so many families. Together, we can make a difference.
When all the proceeds were tallied, the goal of $15,000 was surpassed, hitting a total of $16,692.88. Part of Dylan's Legacy will live on through a scholarship invested with the Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta. Dylan's parents, Kevin and Cindy, are working on the scholarship details with CFSEA.
This fundraiser was not a competition; it was a collaboration. Show entries came from near and far. Many volunteers helped set up Friday night, worked shifts throughout Saturday and helped with cleaning up Sunday. Businesses and individuals graciously donated amazing items for the silent auction. The community achieved GOLD!