2016 Person of the Year: Norman Negaard

I was raised in Buffalo South Dakota and graduated from Buffalo High School. I attended college at BHSU and earned a degree in education. Upon finishing college I started teaching in Sturgis South Dakota.
In 1961 I married Sherry Gilbert and we had two children, Tanna and Birch. Both kids were active in 4-H, High School, Amateur and Pro rodeos.
In 1967 we moved back to Buffalo and went into the hardware and lumber business. From 1967 to 2013 I worked the arena for 4-H, High School, and Labor Day Rodeos. I also raked the barrels and poles along with working the timed events chutes.
In 2014 I sold my business and retired. Thought it was time for the young people to take over so retired from the rodeo work. I made many friends working rodeos and attending rodeos. It was a lot of work, but very rewarding working with the youth.