BLAKE Hallam is being remembered as a Tamworth cowboy whose passion for rodeo was matched only by his love for family and friends.
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The 23-year-old tragically died in a car accident in Queensland on Thursday night, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit rodeo community.
It was his unrivalled talent as an all-rounder in the arena that first got him noticed, but it’s the legacy he leaves behind that those who knew him will miss most.
“He was a great competitor, but would do whatever he could to help anyone,” his mum Dianne said.
“When I was pregnant with Blake, I prayed for someone strong, but kind and sensitive, and that’s exactly what I got. Blakeo jammed so much into every single day, he was like that since he was little. He fit more into his 23 years than 10 people fit into a lifetime. If we can take anything from it, it’s to appreciate and make the most of every day.”
Blake was born into the world of rodeo with parents, Dianne and David, both competing in the sport, but he also made representative teams across soccer, basketball and touch football.
But his love was rodeo.
Blake won his first national title at 10 years of age and went on to win a swag of other coveted titles. He also claimed the junior all-round champion the same year sister Courtney did.
“We are so proud of the man he was,” Dianne said.
“He was a champion inside and outside the arena. Small children always idolised him. He had a cheeky grin and good sense of humour.”
Blake came to be an esteemed horse farrier, gaining his apprenticeship in Tamworth under Adam Morris, before establishing his own business three years ago.
He had a great bunch of mates, who along with best friend Heath Nichols, clocked up many miles competing across the country.
It was one of these trips - having just competed in Townsville rodeo and on his way to Collinsville – when his ute rolled near Charters Towers.
A funeral date is yet to be set, but the service will be held at his home stadium, AELEC, “the stadium he dominated”.