Show legend honoured as grandchildren compete in his arena

Sandra Wallace held back tears watching her grandchildren compete in her late husband's memorial campdraft.

CLIVE'S CLAN: Clive Wallace's family at the 2019 Mount Perry Show campdraft. Picture: Felicity Ripper

AS SANDRA Wallace watched her grandchildren compete in the Mount Perry Show's campdraft she was overcome with happiness and pride, but a touch of sadness as well.

Two-and-a-half years ago her husband Clive Wallace said goodbye before leaving for a day of work, not knowing it would be his last.

"It was a shock, he went to the paddock to work and never came home,” Mrs Wallace said.

"He had a heart attack, but it happened where he loved to be.”

Another place Mr Wallace loved to be was at the Mount Perry Show, having attended and volunteered since he could walk.

Locals even dubbed Mr Wallace "The Show”.

At the weekend's event, not only were the Wallace's grandchildren competing in the Clive Wallace Arena, but also the Clive Wallace Memorial Campdraft, a first for the show.

"It's been really touching today,” Mrs Wallace said.

"The show was a real passion of his and it's nice to see so many locals coming out and competing for him, especially his grandchildren.

"He was very passionate about the community and lent a hand at all functions, whether it be the rodeo, the show, the races or just helping people.”

Liam and Erin Oppermann and Tylen Wallace competed in honour of their grandfather.

Mrs Wallace said the campdraft was highly anticipated because the show had gone without one in recent years.

"The show used to have a campdraft but when team penning became popular around five years ago they decided to see how that would go,” Mrs Wallace said.

"We wanted to try the campdraft again this year.”

Mrs Wallace donated a trophy in her husband's memory and the Wallace family helped run the campdraft.

The cattle were donated by Mr Wallace's son Peter and his family.