Joseph Guichon of the Home ranch and the Quilchena ranch

Joseph and Joséphine Guichon, circa 1920

Joseph and his wife Joséphine launched the Home ranch on Nicola Lake. Perpetually expanding, it becomes one of the oldest cattle companies in BC, known for its quality imported livestock. Guichon Creek bears this family’s name.

At the Quilchena Hotel, circa 1928, Marcelle and Bernard Guichon, children of Laurent and Gertrude and grandchildren of Joseph and Joséphine

Of a social nature, Joseph built the opulent Quilchena Hotel at Quilchena in 1908, drawing visitors to the Nicola Valley. Though the Depression, wars and Prohibition saw the hotel close for 40 years, it was reopened and remains a historical gem on the ranch of Gerard, son of Joseph’s eldest son Laurent Peter “L.P.”. Bullet scars in the hotel’s bar are testimony to another, wilder time.

L.P. continued expanding the Guichon Cattle Company to some 30,000 acres and 4,000 head of cattle. In recognition of his deep understanding of livestock and range management practices, L.P. Guichon was awarded in 1953 by the University of British Columbia a rare honorary degree of Doctor of Science in Agriculture.

L.P. Guichon receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Science in Agriculture, UBC, 1953

L.P.’s wife Gertrude, early ranch hand on the Quilchena Ranch, circa 1910s

After the assets of the ranch were divided in 1957, L.P.’s son Gerard operated his part as the Gerard Guichon ranch. He was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1974 for his leadership in establishing cattlemen’s associations.

Gerard’s son “Laurie” married Judith Rea. Together, they introduced a holistic approach to ranch management. The province, in recognition of her personal accomplishments, named her Lieutenant Governor of BC.

The Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC, Lieutenant Governor of BC, 2012-2018