I had met Dee and Grant Hopley several years ago Back in 2019 when the City of Leduc hosted the Canada Cup of Curling; I was volunteering at the event and saw them almost every day; the visits we had were fantastic and a friendship was born. A shared love of the game and enthusiasm for being a part of it as a volunteer and fan alike, sealed the deal. Grant’s passing a year later came as a shock to many, but Dee’s bright spirit shone through; an inspiration to all. Fast forward to 2022, when the world could finally get back to a semblance of normal; while helping out at a curling event our local club was hosting, who should arrive to help, but the Chicken Lady herself! We reconnected as though no time had passed, and shed a few tears remembering Grant. She had recently moved to Leduc; our conversation turned to fishing and when she learned I enjoy that too, she presented me with a custom Len Thompson ‘Chicken Lady’ spoon lure. I was speechless, humbled and honoured. Since then, Dee has become a good friend of our Leduc Curling Club, always ready to come out and help with events and cheer on competitors. Her positive attitude and selfless willingness to help is an inspiration to everyone; It is a privilege to call her a friend.
