John Dolliver Memorial Scholarship honours first winner after successful show and shine

The inaugural John Dolliver Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to a graduate of Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.

Lane Swanson received the scholarship in Dolliver’s memory on June 20. He plans to use the funds to help propel him into a career in mechanics.

“I want to go to college and get my mechanics degree. I want to keep what he loved to do as well as what I love to do and just keep it going and fulfill it,” said Swanson.

Dolliver passed away in a car accident July 1, 2016 and his family and friends have worked hard to keep his memory alive. The scholarship was one of the projects started to help other LTCHS students continue on to secondary education or apprenticeships.

“It was shocking, I guess, for me but it was nice because he was one of my friends. So I was honored to get it in his name and in what he loved to do,” Swanson added.

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Swanson then also took part in the John Dolliver Memorial Truck and Car show last Saturday at Crossroads Church, saying it was an experience he won’t soon forget. He had his own truck in the show in Dolliver’s memory.

“It was fun and it was exciting to be able to do it for him because I know he would have loved to do it,” said Swanson.

The Truck and Car Show raised funds that will be put towards the scholarship in the coming years. Tammy Dolliver, John’s mom, said the event was a roaring success.

Tammy said they plan to do the memorial car show again next year, and that this years’ event raised enough money for next years’ scholarship as well as to put ahead for future years.

“By building up the scholarship we will have many years ahead, and if we find that any year there are two deserving students, then two will be chosen,” said Tammy.

With the anniversary of John’s death looming on July 1, Tammy said it’s been a very emotional and overwhelming experience.

“We are all just trying to process how so many people who didn’t know us, all came together to make it the success it was,” said Tammy.

The total amount raised from the event is undetermined at this time but Tammy ballparks the amount in the $8,000 range.

“The ticket sales are being paid directly to the scholarship, we are waiting on a check form Red Deer Custom Auto as they are paying direct to the scholarship as well. There have also been many checks paid directly to the school as well as donations,” said Tammy.

Tammy said the family will continue to honor John’s memory and they will be thinking of him and celebrating his life while they watch the fireworks on Saturday.