Our Story

The ranch was pioneered in 1906 by Theodore (Tam) and Mary(Molly) Moilliet and brother John(Jack) Lewis Moilliet and Uncle Hyde Finley. The present working ranch family consists of the third and fourth generation of Tam and Molly. Ian and sister Valeriana have passed on the management of the ranch to Joseph, one of the 11 great- grandchildren of these Moilliet pioneers. Joseph still partners with his father and aunt to run an efficient, sustainable and environmentally sound farm, ranch and woodlot. The ranch is a family hub as the many great and great, great grandchildren periodically come home to visit and help out with the seasonal chores. Aveley Ranch produces lamb, hay and sustainable forest products. Sheep, horses, chickens, dogs, milk cows and sometimes pigs dot the pasture land.

Our Story

Aveley Ranch was established in 1906 when our grandfather homesteaded in the North Thompson Valley. He introduced sheep to the ranch in 1913. Carving out a home in the wilderness, Tam Moilliet was ready for his bride when she arrived from England in 1909. Mary braved blizzards and canoeing the North Thompson River to birth and raise her family. On the premature death of her husband, her 16 year old son, John, managed to develop what his father began– Aveley Ranch; a peaceful natural setting where hard work produces abundance from the land. The Moilliet family has always worked together, teaching skills to the younger, respecting the wisdom of the older. Keeping with family tradition, Grandfather’s third and fourth generation continues to shepherd and nurture the flock through life’s seasonal cycle.