Stampede City Gyro Cub

The Stampede City Gyro Club came into existence in 1962 with the help of the Calgary Gyro Club.  Larry Himmelman was the President of the Calgary Club at that time and another member, Gordon Hanna was 1st Lt. Governor of District VIII in 1962 and they, together with other members of the club, gathered together a group of young men who were becoming interested in Gyro.  One was a young man, Bob Dixon, who had recently become a Gyro while at UBC and had moved to Calgary to teach school.  And Bob recruited a fraternity brother from UBC —— Richard Duncan.  And Richard invited his brother Jim Duncan.  Other Calgary Club Gyros such as George Oliver, Stuart Colpitts, and Ron Newport assisted in recruiting other interested young men. Many of these were already friends or “sons-in-laws, or business associates.  The Calgary Club introduced the concepts of Gyro to these young men by hosting a number of social events. 

The Stampede City Gyro Club was the 192nd club admitted to Gyro and its charter was signed on October 22nd, 1962 with 24 founding members.  Sponsors were the Calgary Gyro Club and the Lethbridge Gyro Club.  Maurice Klinkhamer, of the Cranbrook Gyro Club, was District Governor and the Installing Officer.  Bob Dixon was the first President and Richard Duncan the first Secretary-Treasurer.  The formal Chartering of the Club and Installation of Officers was a “black-tie” party held at the Palliser Hotel on Nov. 3rd, 1962.

In the early years the club increased its membership, however, with many of the members just beginning their business and professional careers, some were subject to transfers out of the city.  Many of these joined a Gyro Club at their new location and some later returned to the Stampede City Club.  Over the years membership has ranged from twenty-five to as high as forty.  As with most Gyro Clubs the Stampede City Club is not a service club but has continued to support several charities, bursaries, and other donations over time as well.  In 2012 we celebrated 50 years since inception and four of the Stampede City Club founding members were still active in the club.  These were Jim Duncan, Richard Duncan, Bill Atchison and Nigel Way. Currently, in 2021, Nigel Way is the only founding member still in the club.

The spouses of the Stampede City Gyros have also played an important role in the success of the Club.  Their support and participation in club activities has greatly contributed to the Club. Skits and musicals have been a great part of the camaraderie at club functions and district events.  As well, the spouses (Gyrettes) play a key roll in helping to bring new Gyros and their spouses into the organization.