Celebrating an Achievement of a Lifetime!
The South Dakota Auctioneer Hall of Fame
When I hear the term, four score and seven years, I usually think of Lincoln’s Gettysburg address. But today I’m not talking about my favorite president or his famous speech. No, I’m talking about another great man. One who is actually four score and seven years old. And though he is far less celebrated, he is significantly more important in my life because he’s my father. Today I want to showcase a momentous event in Dad’s life. I hope you’ll listen as I celebrate this common everyday hero and his fifteen minutes of fame.
My Dad’s experienced a lot in his 87 years, but recently, he experienced a lifetime achievement few ever get to enjoy. He was recognized by his peers and was inducted into the South Dakota Auctioneer’s Hall of Fame.
It was truly an honor to be one of the speakers at the award’s banquet at the State Auctioneer’s Convention where Dad received this prestigious award. Sadly due to COVID, the numbers were down by quite a bit, but that didn’t dampen the spirit for those who attended. The buttons nearly burst off Dad’s western shirt as accolades were shared and congratulations offered.
If you don’t know Dad, let me introduce you.
The Early Years
Don Bourk was the second of eight children and grew up near Canning, South Dakota, during a time when our country was in a great depression. He went to a one-room school but I’m sure he got most of his education from the school of hard knocks. He has some interesting stories about growing up on the farm and I know for certain that is where he learned to work hard. I’m also pretty sure that’s where he learned to be smart enough to avoid some of that hard work.
At one point Dad decided to enter into the ministry and even hitchhiked back and forth to Idaho from South Dakota to attend college for a while. For various reasons, he didn’t finish. Looking at it from this perspective we know that God steered him in a different direction because he knew he could use Dad’s skills and talents to serve on a much less traditional path.
He served his country while he waited for life to really begin and came home to marry and start a family. A few short years later he discovered his true calling in life. Auctioneering.
He stumbled across the industry almost by accident and quickly decided to attend schooling to learn the business. With certificate in hand, he tried a number of avenues to make his big break, some of which worked and others that didn’t. As it happens in so many areas of life, things fell into place when he found the right people to partner with. I personally am inspired by the fact that a number of the things he tried didn’t work out and that the “failures” didn’t deter him. Each time, he figured out what he needed to do better and kept going.
Serving Where God Places You
After nearly 60 years, he’s done a lot of different things and has traveled most of central South Dakota either to buy or sell cattle or land. The best part is he’s made a lot of friends and is well respected in his community. He’ll not die with a ton of money in the bank, but when he is called home, he will go a very rich man.
Some might wonder how God could use a guy who alternated between holding a mic and a cow whip in his had to serve others. If you know my Dad, you wouldn’t need to ask. He’s that guy who always has a smile on his face and could cheer you up no matter how down you felt with a few simple words of encouragement. I’ve always loved his attitude that he’s never met a stranger and feel blessed to watch him live that philosophy in many situations throughout the years. You truly won’t find a more genuinely friendly person anywhere.
Beyond that, he helped many people in need by connecting them with things that allowed them to live a good life at an affordable price while at the same time, helping others dispense with things that no longer served them. Through his auction business, he and his partner were recycling unwanted items long before eBay or FaceBook were ever thought of.
Another way he served our community was the way he announced hundreds of kids’ rodeos, achievement days, and benefit auctions through the years. He always had an encouraging word for the young people who participated. I’ll bet there isn’t a kid in central South Dakota who knows Don Bourk that couldn’t tell at least one story about how he had an impact on their life in some small way.
A Really Good Life Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
Anyone who knew my Dad in his younger years will agree that he knew how to tell a story. He was always at the center of the party and as a result, made some decisions that fit that lifestyle. Dad didn’t always do life perfectly, but that’s what makes his story so important. He’s a living breathing example that we don’t have to be perfect. We can wander down our own path and God will be waiting for us when we turn to Him.
Dad feels blessed to have been in the auction business all these decades. It has been good to him. It’s a rare thing in this day and age to have a career you love as much as Dad has loves his. Did you notice I said loves? Yes, he’s still using his craft and you’ll find him at the sale barn most weeks and at an auction sale on occasion. That’s what happens when we have the courage to put our skills and talents together and go after a dream that God lays on our hearts.
I personally am grateful for the legacy that growing up in the auction business has left me. Hearing Dad’s sing-song call through the years has always brought a special joy to me and as anyone who is near the business knows it is a rare talent that few are blessed with.
Auctioneering truly was perfect for the man who never met a stranger…only friends he hadn’t met yet. Those are clearly words to live by and yet they aren’t just words to my dad. They are a way of life.
I am so proud of the life my father has made for himself and it was truly an honor to be by his side as he accepted his award. It is a great tribute for him to be recognized by his peers and it’s the crowning achievement in a really great career.
The Tristate Livestock News did a great story about Dad this past week. To read their story go to this link.
I want to thank you for stopping by today and allowing me to brag on my dad for a bit. We simply don’t take the opportunity to celebrate successes in life often enough, but this is one I didn’t dare let sneak by. If you see Dad, I hope you’ll stop and congratulate him.
I hope you will stop back next week. Until then, go, be blessed, and live your more!
To listen to this episode on the podcast, go to longingformorepodcast.com.