PRORODEO Sports News | Roy Cooper 1955-2025 | May 2, 2025

“The thing about Roy, he was always going to win something,” Patter son said. “It didn’t mat ter what it was, he was going to win.” Patterson said Cooper had an influ ence on him early on in his career. A self-described “nobody” early on, Patterson said Cooper always took the time to greet him and speak with him at rodeos. That left a lasting impression. “I think he was just a good-hearted guy,” Pat terson said, adding that his passing was some thing he never would have expected. “You just don’t want to believe it. He’s a legend you think is going to live forever.” World Champion All-Around, Tie Down and Steer Roper Phil Lyne recalled telling Cooper he didn’t need to buy a horse. Cooper, being competitive and stubborn, bought it anyway.

Months later, he tapped Lyne on the shoulder and said, ‘You were right,’ be fore walking off. “I’ll never forget that,” Lyne said with a laugh. “He rode him one time and that was it.” Memories such as those are special for Lyne. He

Cooper with pal George Strait at the 1996 NFR PRCA photo by Susan Lambeth

and Cooper competed alongside one another through the 1970s and 1980s. Cooper once let Lyne ride his horse, Charlie, in competition in San Angelo, Texas. Lyne went on to win the tie-down and steer roping titles that weekend. “He had a big heart,” Lyne said. “You just hate to see a good friend go. Undoubtedly, he was one of the best calf ropers ever.” Sixteen-time National Finals Steer Roping qualifier Dan Fisher was brought to tears Wednesday after noon. He and Cooper had a close bond, one that formed as kids when their fathers were best friends. Fisher has countless memories of Cooper. But the one, or several, he remembers most are the times Coo per was simply there for him. "He was one of a kind," Fisher said. "He was always a kindhearted, uplifting guy. If he was on your team, he was always there for it. I'm going to miss him a whole lot."

Nine-time world champion Ty Mur ray compared Cooper to legends in other sports, including Michael Jor dan of the NBA. Murray said Cooper changed the sport for the better. “He progressed it like it hadn’t seen until he came along,” Murray said. “He was one of those guys … I really feel like he was like Mi chael Jordan. I feel like that term gets used too much but that’s really what he was like.” Murray has many memories of Coo per. From his time in competition to his practice runs to polish his craft, Murray says Cooper is on a pedestal of his own in PRORODEO. “The guys that have been badass in calf roping in the last 20 to 30 years, the legends of the game, they send Roy Cooper Christmas cards,” Murray said. “Roy Cooper is a legend that legends look up to.”

Cooper at the 1996 NFR. PRCA photo by Dan Hubbell

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