Jerryl McKenzie
Jerryl arrived at Quilchena in spring of 1969 to work for cowboss legend Ken Knapp, coming from Houston B.C. This fresh-faced teenager of 17 years spent his first winter feeding with Larry Ramsted with a sleigh and huge draft horses Pat and Mike. Moving on to Douglas Lake Cattle Company in 1970, Jerryl was mentored by the generation of legendary cow bosses that included Mike Ferguson, Stan Murphy and Bill Brewer Sr. At age 24, now nicknamed Pecos by the older cowboys, he became cow foreman for the east half of Douglas Lake Cattle Company. Known as an excellent stockman and horseman Jerryl mentored many young cowboys—including Miles—before moving on to Nicola Ranch as the cowboss in 1987 for a ten-year hitch. Finishing up his working career as a master fencer, Jerryl now spends his semi-retirement keeping his three excavators busy. Jerryl reflects the best part of living in the Nicola has been to get to know every corner of this valley and the folks who live here. Hats off to an All-Round Hand.
Miles Kingdon
Born and raised in Bienfait Saskatchewan, Miles Kingdon arrived at age 21 as part of a migration of young cowboys to Douglas Lake Cattle Company in 1980. Mentored by some of the best cow bosses of that generation Miles went on to work as a cowboss at Nicola, Empire Valley, Gang Ranch and Quilchena. Miles has been blessed with six children, good women for partners and the gift as a remarkable storyteller. Unfortunately, tragedy and heartbreak has also been a significant companion that he has had to endure. Recently his wife Possum who shared a gypsy heart and cowboy soul, rode on ahead to the big outfit in the sky. An extraordinary horseman, Miles started teaching horsemanship clinics a decade ago and has positively imprinted on hundreds of people. Miles states the people, and the grass keeps him rooted in the Nicola Valley. Please show your affection and support for this unique cowboy as he navigates a rough part of the trail.