In Val Marie, Saskatchewan, a lifetime of memories goes up for sale as Maurice Lemire decides it’s time to let go of the belongings he’s gathered over six decades on his farmyard. Among the buggies, tools, and tack, each item holds a story — a glimpse into a life shaped by work, horses, and the quiet rhythm of prairie seasons.
At the heart of it all is veteran auctioneer Ralph Oberle, a familiar voice across the Southwest since 1973. From the seat of his vintage Ford half-ton, Ralph moves from lot to lot, his call echoing across the crowd with humour, energy, and care. For Ralph, the live auction is more than business — it’s a gathering, a ritual, and a way of keeping community alive.
But as more sales move online, the familiar rhythm of the on-site auction is slowly disappearing. The Last Call asks what we stand to lose when the voices fall silent and neighbours no longer gather on a summer afternoon to bid, laugh, and share a meal together.
Backroad Stories is dedicated to keeping those voices alive — the people, the places, and the moments that shape prairie life. If these stories speak to you, consider joining our community of supporters on Patreon. Your membership helps us continue telling the stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
