CURRANHALL

Bonnie and Gordie Begg first became active in Goldens in the mid-1960’s while living in Ontario. They were members of the Golden Retriever Club of Canada and Gord was active in the field trial scene and also served on the GRCC Board. Upon moving to B.C., in 1969, the Beggs became friends with Jack Reid and were instrumental, along with Jack, in creating a local Golden Club. The first Club started as the B.C. Branch of the G.R.C.C., but, as Gord tells it, they wanted to keep the money in B.C., so in 1974 the G.R.C.B.C. came into existence with the blessing of the National Club. The major activities of the Club in the early to late seventies, were field training and the running of the annual field trial at what is now Campbell Valley Park. Gord was very pleased to learn of the new Hunt Tests and was planning to attend the GRCBC test during his time back in B.C.

Their first Golden, Ch. Shadywell Little Buff was run in field trials and was shown by Bonnie to her championship after they moved to B.C. They only bred three litters over the years, but one produced Jack Reid’s outstanding producer and show dog, Am. Can. Ch. Curranhall’s Karo of Goldrange. Their former farm home on 232nd St. in Langley was the scene of many Club gunning and throwing training sessions, field training events and field trial parties! Bonnie’s Nanaimo bars were famous in the days before Jean Doman became active in the Club.

Today, since Gord retired in 1984, the Beggs divide their time between winters in Yuma, Arizona, their mobile home in south Langley and hitting the road in their camper van. They are proud grandparents of five and their three children and their families all live in the B.C. Interior. After spending many years as avid sailors, including their sea-legged Golden, Megan on their voyages, the sailboat was sold and they now enjoy occasional outings on the water with friends. They both miss owning a Golden but feel their current lifestyle would not be fair to a dog. A portrait of their old male graces the living room of their home in Langley and they frequently get Golden fixes at the RV resort in Yuma, along the “dog alley” section of the resort.