ProRodeo Sports News - February 8, 2019

MEMORIAM 1948. “He was a dad and a hero,” Jeff Copenhaver said. “During all the years I rodeoed, when they introduced me when I was roping it was as the son of two- time world champion Deb Copenhaver. I was proud of that and I thought it was pretty cool.” Copenhaver won saddle bronc riding world championships in 1955 and 1956), was runner-up to Casey Tibbs three times (1951, ’53 and ’54) and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1992. Nicknamed “Fireplug” as much for his fiery, competitive nature as his stocky build, the 5-foot-7 Copenhaver won plenty of big rodeos – Calgary in 1953, ’55 and ’58; Madison Square Garden in 1952 and ’55; Pendleton (Ore.) in 1954; Salinas (Calif.) in 1952; Denver in 1956; and Fort Worth (Texas) in 1954. “I remember that winning the

Near the end of his life, his favorite song to sing was the hymn “Because He Lives.” “He would sing the first verse or two and then he would say this one counts – ‘And then one day, I’ll cross that river. I’ll fight life’s final war with pain. And then, as death gives way to vict’ry. I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll knowHe reigns,” Jeff Copenhaver sang in memory of his dad. Copenhaver is survived by his kids, Jeff, Deborah, Matt, Kelly and Guy, as well as numerous grandchildren. Among Deb Copenhaver’s biggest rodeo wins were Calgary; Madison Square Garden; Pendleton, Ore.; Salinas, Calif.; Denver; and Fort Worth, Texas. DeVere Helfrich photo

Madison Square Garden rodeo was like winning the National Finals Rodeo is now,” Deb Copenhaver wrote in a guest column for ProRodeo Sports News shortly after his induction. “If I had some advice for the cowboys of today, it would be to truly appreciate your families and what you do for a living. Don’t get so caught up in rodeo that you don’t take care of and smile upon your family.” To win his 1955 title, Copenhaver traveled more than 90,000 miles, hit both coasts and Canada, and ventured as far south as San Antonio. One weekend he chartered a plane to enter seven rodeos in five states (four of which ran concurrently). He went on to serve on the PRCA Board of Directors from 1986-89. When he was 88 years old, Copenhaver built a tiny, roadside chapel on his ranch about 50 miles west of Spokane, Wash. “Dad was so relaxed or nonchalant, he would talk to someone behind the chutes and two horses down they would be opening the gate,” Jeff Copenhaver recalled. “He would step over all casual and put a foot in each stirrup and knock back and nod his head. It impressed me that he was that cool in the chute. As cool as dad was in the chutes, there were other issues in his life that he had a tough time dealing with until the early ’80s, when he made a commitment to Jesus and asked the Lord into his heart.” Copenhaver had the opportunity for a singing contract with a record label back when he was still competing in rodeo.

ProRodeo Sports News 2/8/2019

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