Remembering

I recently returned from a month-long trip up to Idaho.

It was a long time to be away, especially with the new baby.

At the same time, it was necessary and rewarding.

My Dad passed away the day after Christmas this year.

He didn't like funerals.

We asked him if he would like us to have a Memorial Roping out at his place instead.

He said yes.

We told him we would give away one of the saddles he had won as the top prize.

He teared up.

We knew this is what he wanted, and that made it all worth it.

Here's Dad, years ago, winning a saddle at Garwood Arena:

We set up his truck that he bought new and drove for 20 years

with pictures of him throughout his life.

We had a guest book and candles for friends and family to light in his memory.

One of his great friends, George Richmond, led us in paying honor to his memory.

Then, we all took turns telling funny stories about him.

He was a pretty entertaining guy!

Then, his Grandsons each took a lap around his arena on their motorcycles.

He loved watching them ride.

My Brother did a burn-out in one of his old Camaros...

And then my Sister led a horse around with his saddle he had made by hand,

with his boots in the stirrups backwards,

and his dress up coat that he loved so much hanging from the horn.

While I followed her spreading his ashes.

We also turned out the first steer alone,

nobody following it,

just for him.

Then, it was time to have fun - his way...

with about 300 of his friends from all walks of life.

Here's my Sister enjoying herself after a fast run down the arena:

Jim being silly:

I even made some runs.

This is with Wayne.

He was Dad's Best Friend since before I was born.

At the end of the day,

we awarded his old saddle - now stamped with

"Hippie John Memorial Roping 2010" -

and a breast collar stamped the same,

to the high-money winners.

We were sure to hold a beer in the picture - just like him.

It was a day of remembering,

laughing,

roping,

enjoying old friends,

and making new ones.

We'll miss you, Dad.