Brent Wesley Carey passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, May 9, 2024 in High River, AB, at the age of 65 years.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Peggy; three children and their families: son, Ryan (Nicole) Carey and their kids Easton and Dallas; daughter, Jamie (Dillon) Casebeer and their kids Brynlee and Lennon; and son, Blake (Jordan) Carey and their kids Bennett and Henry.
He is also survived by his three older brothers, Wayne (Maureen) Carey, Victor (Barabra) Carey & Thomas (Colleen) and families; Brent was predeceased by his father, Wesley Carey; mother, Florence Carey; and niece, Joanna Carey.
Brent was born October 2, 1958, in Claresholm, Alberta. He grew up working on the family farm alongside his father and brothers. During Brent’s younger years he was a tremendous hockey goaltender and enjoyed traveling the rodeo circuit riding bulls. Brent had a short period of time goaltending for the Providence Bruins where his love for the Boston Bruins grew on from there.
He graduated high school in Claresholm. Working part time at Stavely auction is where his passion for cattle and desire to become an auctioneer started. He went on to graduate from the Western School of Auctioneering in Billings Montana, in 1977.
In 1978-1986 Brent started his livestock auctioneering career at Perlich Brothers Auction in Lethbridge, Alberta, alongside Tony Perlich. This is also where he met the love of his life Peggy.
Brent and Peggy were married, alongside lifelong friends, September 5, 1981. Brent became his own entity in 1986, as a purebred livestock auctioneer. The summer of ’86 Brent and Peggy moved back to the farm in Stavely, and started growing their family.
In the 46 years of his auctioneering career he found himself selling not only cattle, but also ostrich, sheep, elk, and warmblood horses. Brent was determined to set goals and achieve them and taught others to do so as well. “Never quit”. By setting his career goals he was able to auctioneer at the Calgary, Lethbridge, and Regina Bull sales multiple times as well as the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Brent became an influential man of the industry, mentoring many young auctioneers, ringmen, cattle buyers and the overall cattle business. He sat on the Alberta Beef Producers Board of Directors for eight years and in 2021 was inducted into the Alberta Angus Association Hall of Fame as a Breed Builder. His legacy will be carried on by many in the industry.
Farming, cattle, hockey, golf and fishing were Brent’s hobbies. He valued friendship, and being a role model to many generations.
Beyond proud of kids and grandkids, he loved all of them more than the world could know. His world would light up in their presence, or if anyone asked for an update.
Brent was a man of many hats, and his loss will impact his family, along with many other that he has touched along the way.
“Swing that Gate”
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Stavely Community Center on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. (Standard Auction Time)
Honorary pallbearers are Brent’s grandchildren and anyone that worked closely by his side.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Brent’s memory may be made to the Stavely Golf Course, or to an organization that would support young cattleman.