There’s a special group of people that guide and direct the course of the Meeker Classic – our Board of Directors. All volunteers, each of these people commit precious time and effort into the yearlong journey of coordinating the Meeker Classic. True civic heroes, these folks model the spirit of volunteerism and community that lies at the foundation of all that is worthy and successful in our country. So, over the next few posts, you’ll get to meet each of these extraordinary people!
Bernie Gantt – Meeker Classic Board Member
Photo by DKH Productions
Bernie Gantt is the Logistics Coordinator at the Meeker Classic and helps oversee the Dog Sponsor program. The title of Logistics means that he does a little bit of all sort of things and oversees a whole lot of everything! From Tram Repairs to volunteer coordination to radio readiness and emergency plans – Bernie has it covered!
Bernie in his early days with the Meeker Classic as the Parking Coordinator
Bernie first became involved with the Meeker Classic in 2005. Relatively new to Meeker, he chanced upon Meeker Classic Director, Gus Halandras out in his yard. Later that evening Bernie left Gus’s house and a meeting as a newly appointed Parking Coordinator and Board Member for the Meeker Classic. The rest is history! No looking back and still involved 15 years later! Bernie no longer heads the Parking position but lends input at the Meeker Classic and he oversees the Parking at the USBCHA Finals when they’re in Carbondale, Colorado.
Bernie was raised in a small farming community in Eastern Colorado. Joining the Navy upon graduation from high school, he specialized in submarine nuclear repair, firefighting and damage control for 17 years. He was assigned as the Persian Gulf Battle Group Damage Control Officer during Desert Storm and Dessert Shield. Retiring in 1995 as a Chief Warrant officer, Bernie started his own business doing home repairs and remodeling and then eventually went to work for the Bureau of Land Management in Meeker for 6 years. Fully retired now, Bernie and his wife Anne spend the winter months traveling the US but end up back in Meeker as their home base for the summertime and the Meeker Classic.
Bernie in the Parking Lot – photo courtesy of Kari Matrisciano
Bernie and Anne were married in her native Scotland while he was in the Navy. They lived there 10 years and have been married 44 years. They have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren – the oldest granddaughter of which is in training as a volunteer at the Meeker Classic! It’s becoming a family tradition!
Bernie oversees all the radio communications during the trial – photo by DKH Productions
Reflecting on the Meeker Classic, Bernie says,” I love working with the Team that produces the Classic, as well as meeting new people and getting to see the many friends I have made since starting volunteering with the Classic. Watching the partnerships of the Handlers and their magnificent dogs is truly one of the most amazing events in the world. Watching the dedicated Classic Board members perform their arduous tasks every day to ensure the Classic is properly presented and continues, is inspiring. I love standing in the middle of the Vendor area, looking around on Sunday morning after the opening ceremonies and thinking to myself “I helped”!”
Our hats off to this dedicated volunteer who gives selflessly of his time and energy for the Meeker Classic. For Bernie, living in Meeker provides a complete package of exciting opportunities – camping, hiking, hunting and when possible horseback riding in the White River National Forest and the Flat Tops and of course – working with the Meeker Classic! So please join us in thanking Bernie for all he does for the Meeker Classic!