Trey Purdie Memorial Scholarship

When Trevor and Roberta Purdie tragically lost their son Trey, they began searching for a way to let their son’s passion, drive and connection to the land continue to seep into the fabric of their community.

The Purdie family chose to develop the Trey Purdie Memorial Scholarship in the fall of 2017 with the idea that Trey’s legacy would feed back into the education of other students who have experienced growing up on a working farm or ranch in the Chinooks Edge School Division, as well as students who have participated in Alberta High School Rodeo.

At the age of 20 years old, Trey Purdie had already established quite a name for himself within Central Alberta. He was a multi event qualifier to the National High School Rodeo Finals five times, and had been both a Provincial and Canadian Champion.

But it was not just his natural athletic ability that drew people to him; it was also his work ethic and sincere demeanor. According Trey’s mother Roberta Purdie, Trey was continuously working on sharpening his skills, whether it was in the rodeo arena, on the farm, or in his educational journey; everything he did, he did with intent and clarity.

“He was genuine and thoughtful, but also serious and motivated,” Roberta explained. “He was very connected to his rural roots and would take the time to help a neighbour.”

The Purdie family has been calling the Valley Centre District ‘home’ for over 120 years, having first arrived to homestead in 1895. Contributing to the education of the youth in the area was an obvious choice for the family, but providing scholarships to Alberta High School Rodeo competitors was also a suitable fit.

“Rodeo was also a huge part of who Trey was,” Roberta said. “The organization helped to shape him and drive him to succeed. He loved rodeo like no other sport, but also loved where he came from and appreciated all that had been done before him to allow him to live the life he did.”

Since 2018, over $8,000 has been awarded to students through the memorial fund. “The response to the scholarship is up and above anything we could have dreamed,” Roberta shared. “It is satisfying that we are able to give to his two loves, rodeo and ranching, and create a lasting legacy.

“Red Deer and District Community Foundation was able to help us make our memorial scholarship fund a reality. We have people who can answer all of our questions and guide us in the direction we wanted the scholarship to go. The experience of these people has been invaluable.” ~ Roberta Purdie