Rick Wanchuk, famously known as Ricky Ticky, has been a beloved figure in small-town rodeo circles across Canada for decades. After nearly 50 years in the rodeo scene, he bid farewell to his iconic yellow shirt and oversized Wrangler jeans this summer, citing a desire to retire while his mind is willing but his body is not.
Approaching 74 years old, Wanchuk has been a consistent presence at events like the Grande Prairie Stompede and Lea Park Pro Rodeo, entertaining audiences from coast to coast. His performances have taken him to various rodeos in Saskatchewan, the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, and even to Australia in 1992, but he has always held a special fondness for the smaller rodeo stops.
His final show took place on August 31 at the Lakeland Rodeo Association Finals in St. Paul, Alberta. Despite his Canadian roots, Wanchuk never felt the urge to tour in the U.S., preferring to stay close to home with his unique array of props and characters.
While Rick Wanchuk may have retired, the next generation is poised to carry on his legacy. His sons, Kolby and Kyle, known affectionately as Halfchuk and Quarterchuk, are making their mark in bronc riding and roping, ensuring that the Wanchuk name will continue to thrive in the rodeo world. Additionally, Rick’s nephew Casey Wanchuk has been honing his skills on the circuit and is now prepared to step into the spotlight.
In an interview, Casey expressed his admiration for his uncle and father, both influential figures in his clowning aspirations. He aims to bring his own style and flair to his performances while upholding the family tradition of engaging with the audience beyond the arena boundaries.
As Rick looks forward to retirement, he plans to reconnect with old friends and relish the simple pleasures of life, cherishing the moments of joy and camaraderie that rodeo has brought him over the years. The rodeo community will undoubtedly miss his infectious smile and warm conversations, but his spirit will live on through the laughter and memories he has shared with fans throughout his illustrious career.