The town of Bashaw, Alberta, is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved and colorful figures, Reg “The Bashaw Flash” Johnstone, who passed away recently. Reg, a proud ambassador of Bashaw and a highly respected member of the Western Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA), left an indelible mark on the world of chuckwagon racing. His passing has left a void in both his community and the sport that he loved so dearly.
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Reg’s legacy was built on more than just his achievements on the track; it was also rooted in his personality, his storytelling, and his deep connections to the people who knew him. His close friend, Kathy Anne, shared a fond memory of Reg’s early days in chuckwagon racing, recalling how Reg and her father hooked their very first wagon team together just east of Bashaw. “They borrowed horses from neighbors and used a couple of their own. Once they got them hooked, Dad said, ‘Reg took the lines with a big whoop, and hauler off they went! It was pretty western,’” Kathy Anne wrote. “Reg was always a colorful man, and I have many fond memories of him.”
Reg Johnstone was not just a competitive force in chuckwagon racing; he was a character who made an impact on everyone around him. His passion for the sport was evident in everything he did, and his ability to inspire those around him was equally as remarkable as his achievements on the track. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Reg’s enthusiasm for life and his love for chuckwagon racing brought joy to many in the Bashaw community and beyond.
Wade Butchh Stewart, another friend and close associate of Reg, posted a heartfelt tribute: “It’s with a heavy heart we share the passing of The Bashaw Flash – Reg Johnstone. Dad passed away surrounded by family Monday night in Lethbridge, Alberta. Please join us in celebrating Reg’s life on Saturday, January 24th, at the Bashaw Community Centre at 1 pm. Your presence would mean a great deal to our family. Please bring your stories of your greatest adventures with Reg, as hearing them helps us all heal. We will have some laughs and probably shed a tear or two, with a luncheon to follow.”
Reg’s contributions to the WPCA and the chuckwagon racing community were immense, and his passion for the sport helped bring attention and respect to Bashaw, a town that became synonymous with his name. As the “Bashaw Flash,” he was known for his speed, skill, and determination on the track, but also for his approachable nature and sense of humor off it.
On behalf of the Town of Bashaw, the community extends its deepest condolences to Reg’s family and friends. Reg Johnstone was not just a local hero; he was a beloved figure whose legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His contributions to the sport of chuckwagon racing, his commitment to his community, and his unforgettable character have left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten.
