Ranchman’s co-founder Harris Dvorkin dead at 76
Bull busters and two-steppers across Western Canada raised a glass this weekend to pay tribute to a giant in Calgary’s entertainment scene.
Harris Dvorkin, who died Friday after a long illness, was best known as the co-owner of Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall — a fixture in Calgary’s cowboy culture for more than 40 years.
“Harris was one of a kind, they broke the mould on this one,” Ranchman’s marketing director Wendy Daniel said in a statement, adding he will be remembered for his “unique, dry sense of humour, his love of hunting, hunting dogs, Harley motorcycles, love of music, the sport of rodeo and, most importantly, his family.”
A veteran in Calgary’s restaurant and nightclub scene since 1965, Dvorkin managed, owned or was otherwise involved in more than 30 eateries or clubs in the city — including the infamous Beachcomber Club downtown.
Along with partner Kevin Baker, Dvorkin opened Ranchman’s in 1972, the pair using their knowhow in the entertainment and hospitality industries to transform a simple dance hall and cafeteria into a world-famous country music venue that still sees regular visits from artists both established and up-and-coming.
A lifelong Calgarian, Dvorkin was born April 10, 1941, and raised by his maternal grandparents.
He was prominent in professional rodeo and was named to the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association’s (CPRA) hall of fame in 2015, thanks to his longtime support,sponsorship and promotion of the sport. He was among the founders of the CPRA’s Cowboy Benefit Fund, and was instrumental in the promotion and recognition of youth and women’s professional rodeo events. His contributions to the sport were also recognized by the Canadian Rodeo Historical Society.
Dvorkin didn’t keep his love of bull riding in the ring, however — nearly 20 years ago he brought professional bull busting right to the Ranchman’s parking lot.
Now in its 18th year, the Ranchman’s Renegades Annual Invitational PBR Bullbustin’ event turned a tame stretch of tarmac into a premier bull-riding event that every year still entertains thousands in support of Calgary charities.
A life member of the Calgary Stampede, Dvorkin was a member of the rodeo committee for over two decades, from 1974 to 1995.
Information on memorial services will be made public in the coming days. In accordance with the Jewish faith, the family asks that donations be made to charity in lieu of flowers.