Empty Saddles: George Palmantier

inthecorral-1510-12
Photo courtesy of Clay Palmantier.

Legendary Cariboo rodeo cowboy George Palmantier passed away on July 6, 2015.

Born on October 29, 1941, George’s parents homesteaded in the Riske Creek area and by the time he was 14, he was entering rodeos.

The talented Indian cowboy competed at both ends of the arena in saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling and team roping. George won numerous championships including All Around in 1975 and 1979. In 1984, he was at the top of the standings in the Interior Rodeo Association (IRA), Wildrose Rodeo Assn (WRA) and Yellowhead Rodeo Cowboy Assn (YRCA). In one year, he won four IRA Championships: steer wrestling, bull riding, saddle bronc and All Around cowboy.

After retiring from competition, George became a rodeo judge. He was inducted into the B.C. Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2006.