Washington State Sheep Producers
HOOK AWARD
In Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Industry
The 2023 Hook Award recipient is a shepherd that is quiet and works well in the background but is always present when there are activities to be completed.
For 20+ years the love of livestock has been demonstrated in the raising of a sheep flock since coming to Washington. The interest in sheep starting following graduation from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture that was used during stents working with Veterinarians as a Veterinarian Technician in Georgia, Tennessee, California, and Washington. Washington requires the Veterinarian Technicians to be license which was obtained by passing a test with the State Veterinarian in Olympia.
The interest and activities have not only been going out of the way to help shepherds with their animal health and care, but also extending to the Washington Sheep Producers being active on the Board and contributing as the Animal Health and Education Committee providing information on the new developing procedures in sheep/animal health and care. Is active with the American Sheep Industry Association attending the National convention and is a member of the ASI Genetic Stakeholders Council.
Activities include a long-time membership in the Spokane Area Sheep Producers Association and being a member of the Board of Directors holding several offices over the years and is currently the Vic Chairman. Worked with the Clayton Fair Board in creating a active and expanding sheep show and exhibition during the fair. Has become part of the training cadre for the Lambing School held by Dr. Jill Swannack in April of each year. And for those at the WSSP Convention last year was instrumental in the planning and execution of the 2022 WSSP Convention.
There is military service in the background that I want to extend my appreciation for that dedication. Tim tells me he was a Military Police on the Air Force base, and he stopped a speeding car and following a short conversation did not issue a ticket, and with a chuckle he said, “guess I’ve been paying for not writing that ticket for 46 years”.
THE HOOK AWARD for outstanding service to the industry – LAURA RAY
WASHINGTON STATE SHEEP PRODUCERS
SHEEP HOOK AWARD RECIPIENTS
1979 Al Rubenser Colfax
1980 George Hislop Yakima
1981 Ruth Herriford Olympia
1982 Ladd Mitchell Ephrata
1982 Sebastian Etulain Moses Lake
1983 Gerald Richardson Moses Lake
1984 Mac McLean Four Lakes
1985 Vic Robert Sunnyside
1986 -0-
1987 Theo Caldwell Goldendale
1988 Chick Hubbard Moses Lake​
1989 - 0 -
1990 Ruth King Yakima
1991 Henrietta Pearson Mount Vernon
1992 Norman Gates WSU
1993 Roberta Hoctor Goldendale
1994 John Brewer Pullman
1995 Simon & Carol Martinez Moxee
1996 Dick & Helen Appel Endicott
1997 Fred & Timmie Blauert Washtucna
1998 Treva Norris Springdale
1999 Loveta Boyce Moses Lake
2000 Joanne Dubigk Maple Valley
2001 Randy Baldree Colfax
2002 Nina Richardson Moses Lake
2003 Susan Parr Tacoma
2004 Jim Acuff Post Falls
2005 Andy Pille Espanola
2006 Al & Lin Schwider Maple Valley
2007 Art & Jill Swannack Lamont
2008 -0-
2009 Sam Hays Yakima
2010 Milt Russell Prosser
2011 Dave & Julie Dashiell Hunters
2012 Linda & Jerry Kjack Walla Walla
2013 -0-
2014 Sarah Smith Moses Lake
2015 Mike McWilliams Myrtle Point, OR
2016 Mark Martinez Moxee
2017 Jan Busboom Pullman
2018 Jami Beintema Ellensburg
2019 Ross Merker & Ann Roggenkamp Onalaska
2020 No Convention Held
2021 Teri Blankinship Ridgefield
2022 Les Boian Spokane
2023 Laura Ray Deer Park
Les Boian presents Laura Ray with the 2023 Sheep Hook Award
