Chuckwagon legend Tom Glass remembered at Ponoka Stampede

The chuckwagon community is grieving the loss of legendary chuckwagon driver Tom Glass, who died on Friday after a stroke.

Six-time Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby champion Tom Glass, who was also one of chuckwagon racing’s most influential figures, has died.

Glass, who died on Friday at age 77 after suffering a stroke, left an impact on the racing community. That includes his family, who is competing this week at the World Professional Chuckwagon Association circuit.

“Thank God we got to say goodbye to him,” said his daughter-in-law Brienne Glass.

“He was alert enough that he recognized all of our voices. He squeezed our hands.”

While grieving, the family is remembering Glass for more than his accomplishments on the track.

“His biggest passion was being at his ranch in Arizona, roping and having his kids and grandkids come to Arizona,” Brienne Glass said.

That passion extended to the next generation of the family. His grandson, Bodie Glass, now serves as an outrider, following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather.

“There’s a few old chuckwagon drivers that all had a big part in the sport, and my grandpa was one of them,” Bodie Glass said.

“The checkerboard (wagon) has been going on for a long time now, and I hope I can carry that on.”

Glass enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in chuckwagon racing. He won six Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby championships — four as a driver and two as an outrider — which helped establish him as one of the sport’s elite competitors.

His influence stretched well beyond race results.

Former chuckwagon driver Rick Fraser said Glass possessed a rare ability.

“He had it. I don’t know what it was, but he had it,” Fraser said.

Longtime chuckwagon announcer Les McIntyre said Glass was a trusted voice within the sport, even after retiring from competition in 1998.

“Guys who were icons in the sport always relied on Tom’s input,” McIntyre said.

Glass later transitioned to broadcasting, where he became known for explaining the complexities of chuckwagon racing in a way newcomers could easily understand.

His legacy continues through his son, Jason Glass.

Competing for the first time since his father’s death, Jason posted the fastest time on opening day at the Ponoka Stampede.

“He did it for his dad. I know he did,” Brienne Glass said. “His dad was with him. His dad is with him all the time.”

Tom Glass is survived by his wife, Joanne, three children and five grandchildren.