Master of ceremonies Bob Blanc lauds Happy Canyon Appreciation Award winners Marjorie Waheneka and Greg Duchek.

The Happy Canyon Board of Directors honored two long-time volunteers on April 19 in the Happy Canyon Room of the Pendleton Convention Center. This year’s winners of the coveted Happy Canyon Appreciation Award are Marjorie Waheneka and Greg Duchek. Master of Ceremonies Bob Blanc presented both with plaques and flowers and expressed the appreciation of the directors for years of hard work as volunteers for the Happy Canyon Night Show.

The ceremony was open to the public and friends and relatives also sang the praises of the hard working volunteers.

“This award symbolizes the volunteerism and traditions of Happy Canyon,” Blanc said. “This is an evening of thanks and appreciation for two special people who have given their talents and energy to keep Happy Canyon alive and thriving.”

Marjorie Waheneka

Waheneka made her first appearance on the stage of the Happy Canyon Night Show at the ripe old age of 3 months, when her mother carried her into the show on a baby board on her back. She followed with roles that were passed on to her by her mother Armenia Miles and then her grandmother who raised her, Suzie Williams.

“There are some things she hopes will never change,” Blanc said about Waheneka’s feelings for Happy Canyon. “She wants the pride and tradition to continue and to see her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews continue on for another 100 years.”

Waheneka, who now serves on the Round-Up and Happy Canyon Board of Directors, said she being on the Hall of Fame board has made her appreciate the traditions even more. She believes in working together to ensure the continued success of Happy Canyon.

“By respecting one another and respecting our cultures, we can build from that,” she said.

Greg Duchek

Duchek began volunteering for Happy Canyon when he was at Pendleton High School, helping with the oxen and other livestock in the show. He has now served long enough that the sons of people who were Happy Canyon directors who counted on him for repairs are now themselves members of the board.

“Greg has been over, under, around and on top of every piece of Happy Canyon,” Blanc said. “He has dug, drilled, screwed, painted, sawed and nailed everywhere he has been.”

In accepting the award, Duchek handed his roses to his wife, along with some well-earned words of praise.

“I’m not much of a speaker, I’m a do-er,” he said. “But I wouldn’t have been able to do the things I do without the support of my lovely wife, Roxanne.”