(Photo courtesy/Barrie Jung, LinkedIn)

By Cam Lee

Honouring Jung

Long-time northeast auctioneer being recognized with Hall of Honour induction

Jan 4, 2024 | 4:48 PM

It’s a huge honour for a local legend in the auctioneering world.

Barrie Jung of Melfort is one of three auctioneers being inducted into the Saskatchewan Auctioneers Association (SAA) Auction Era Hall of Honour.

“I was quite honoured to be nominated for the award,” Jung told northeastNOW.

Jung first got into the auction business back in 1985 with Hodgins Auctioneers, an opportunity that came about rather unexpectedly. Jung had finished working at CJVR radio in Melfort and was in between jobs when he was called by Grant Hodgins of Hodgins Auctioneers.

“Grant had heard that I was looking for work and so he phoned and asked me if I’d like to come down for an interview so I did,” Jung explained. “I got hired on March 31st at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, and at 5 o’clock in the afternoon we were on our way to Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan to book an auction.”

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Jung said it was a fast-moving opportunity that turned into a 30-plus-year career. After working at Hodgins Auctioneers, Jung moved on to working at Schapansky Auctioneers in Tisdale for the past seven to eight years.

Jung has also been a big part of the Saskatchewan Auctioneers Association over the years. After joining the SAA in 1986, Jung first became a board member in 1998. He later served one term as president of the association, along with three terms as vice president, and in various positions on the board of directors and board of trustees.

“Kinda giving back to the business and that sort of thing,” Jung explained. “That’s probably what got me nominated is the work with the (Saskatchewan Auctioneers Association).”

The long-time auctioneer wasn’t only about giving back to the association. Jung also volunteered time with many local organizations and non-profit groups. Some of those who benefitted from Jung’s generosity include STARS, Melfort’s Hospital, Festival of Trees, the Melfort Mustangs, the Nipawin Hawks, and the La Ronge Ice Wolves. He also spent time as the Mustangs’ team president.

“Lots of volunteer work and fundraising events,” Jung admitted.

SAA secretary Jo-Ann Ganzert told northeastNOW that Jung’s efforts in volunteering, his long, successful career, and his support of the association have helped cement his nomination.

“He’s always been the guy that said ‘Yeah, I can do that for you, no problem,'” explained Ganzert. “[A] very deserved individual for the award, for sure.”

With a career spanning nearly four decades, Jung said the twist of fate of that one phone call from Grant Hodgins ended up changing his life.

“It worked out and it (is) a very interesting business,” he said. Jung noted he’s done auctions in every province, some states in the United States, England, and even Dubai.

The Saskatchewan Auctioneers Association 50th Anniversary Convention and Annual General Meeting will be held on Jan. 31 at the Western Development Museum in North Battleford.

Going into the Hall of Honour with Jung will be Jason LeBlanc of Estevan and Ivan White of North Battleford.

There will also be a fundraiser auction to close out the event.

To purchase tickets, call 306-441-2265 or visit saskauctoneers@gmail.com.

Tickets must be purchased by Jan. 15.