The Wetaskiwin Ag Society is poised to recognize their annual Hall of Fame recipient, a name well-known in the local farm community for decades.
John Crabtree began his career at Wetaskiwin Implements as a heavy duty mechanic in 1966 until 1970. He became a partner at Wetaskiwin Implements in 1970 until 1990, when he became semi-retired.
Crabtree said he wasn’t expecting to be named to the Hall of Fame. When asked how he felt when he found out, he answered, by phone Oct. 31, “Very surprised and honoured.
“I really didn’t expect it, that’s for sure.”
Crabtree was born February 27, 1933 in Prince, Saskatchewan to parents Tom and Edith Crabtree. He’s married to spouse Esther Crabtree
And raised sons Roger (Cheryl) Crabtree and Dale (Wendy) Crabtree along with daughter Jean (Ray) Montgomery.
Crabtree graduated from the Northern Alberta institute of technology as a heavy duty mechanic and then operated Grosser Parts Engine Rebuilding from1953 -1959 and then the family farm from 1959-1966.
Crabtree also became well-known for volunteer and peer support: President of Dalby Mutual Telephone Co. (two years), President of Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture (three years), Wetaskiwin city council (six years), Member of Wetaskiwin Kiwanis Club (19 years), Kiwanis Music Festival chairman (seven years), board member of The Peace Hills Lodge (8 years) and chairman (5.5 years), Vice President of the Alberta BC Dealers Association, First President of the Canada West Equipment Dealers Association, chairman of the Good Cheer Dinner Committee (10 years), Building Committee at the Wetaskiwin Mission Church and provincial director for the Good Sam RV Club (4 years).
Tickets for the Hall of Fame induction banquet are available soon and are $25 per person. Tickets are available at the Ag Society office Nov. 9, 13, 16 and 20 or by calling Jim Wilson at 780-352-1394.
The Hall of Fame induction banquet will be held Nov. 24 at Wetaskiwin’s Moose Hall. Cocktails are at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m. and entertainment to follow.
The Ag Society asks that you buy your tickets by Nov. 21.