2023 John O. Blackbird Memorial Award Co-Recipients
The fifth co-recipients of the annual John O. Blackbird Memorial Award is presented to two individuals we feel truly represents the ideas, passion, compassion and other qualities emulated by the late John O. Blackbird. The Master Amateur Retriever Club’s Board of Directors is pleased to honor Sam Ferguson and Ellison Armfield with this heartfelt, prestigious award.
Sam FergusonSam Ferguson has had a life long passion for hunting and dogs. Sam has been an active member of the Tallahassee Retriever club since 1996. He gives of his time each Saturday to coordinate a training session for the members. He takes time to explain the set up and help new handlers with their dogs. He has judged across the country, judged Master Nationals, served on the Master National Board of Directors and held the President’s position in 2015. As the 2023 Master Nationals will be held in Boston, Georgia, Sam will be working hard behind the scenes to ensure its success. Sam is also a charter member of the MARC and run his dogs in five of the first six Invitationals. Proud to have this military veteran in our sport!
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Ellison ArmfieldEllison Armfield embodies the spirit of this award in many ways. She is and has always been an Amateur handler, training her dogs on her own, running her dogs in weekend tests, The Master Amateur and Master Nationals. She is active in several clubs, key in starting up the Carolina Retriever Association. She has judged both at the regional tests as well at Master Nationals. Notable is her dedication to the dual-purpose Labrador, raising dogs that perform in the ring and in the field. She has also been integral in mentoring others to do the same. Lastly, her unselfishness in helping other handlers to improve and succeed puts her at the top of our list!
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In Memory of John O. Blackbird
John O. Blackbird Memorial Award Nomination Form (Download to print and submit)
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If you would like to mail the form, please print and submit to your regional officer.
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If you would like to mail the form, please print and submit to your regional officer.