DAWSON CREEK, B.C. - The Canadian rodeo community is mourning the loss of four-time Canadian bareback riding champion Dusty LaValley, who died following a lengthy battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The 45-year-old was from Bezanson, Alberta near Grande Prairie and was widely regarded as one of the finest bareback riders ever produced in Canada.
He is being remembered in Dawson Creek this week where he was a regular competitor at Exhibition and Stampede.
Throughout his career, LaValley built a reputation as a fierce competitor, capturing Canadian Bareback Championships in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011.
LaValley’s path to rodeo success began at Western Texas College in Snyder, Texas, where he developed his bareback riding skills before breaking onto the professional rodeo scene.
In 2004, he earned the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Resistol Rookie of the Year award in bareback riding, helping establish himself as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Over a distinguished career, LaValley competed at the Canadian Finals Rodeo 13 times and qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
One of his standout seasons came in 2008, when he placed in six of 10 rounds at the prestigious event and finished third in the average standings.
He returned to the NFR again in 2010 and collected victories at major rodeos throughout North America.
His accomplishments extended far beyond championship titles. LaValley earned season leader awards, circuit championships and numerous high-marked rides at some of the continent’s most respected rodeos.
In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2022.
Friends, family and fellow competitors also admired the determination LaValley showed away from the arena.
Pro Rodeo Canada said he faced his battle with ALS with the same grit and perseverance that defined his rodeo career and later pursuits as a businessman and entrepreneur.
“On behalf of all the CPRA staff and members, we want to send our deepest condolences to the family of former Canadian Champion Bareback Rider Dusty LaValley,” Pro Rodeo Canada said in a statement. “Dusty put up one hell of a fight against ALS and will always be remembered as a fierce competitor and great man in and out of the arena.”
LaValley is survived by his children, extended family and many friends. Memorial service details are expected to be announced at a later date.