ProRodeo Sports News - May 27, 2022

IN MEMORIAM JEFF COPENHAVER

PRCA ProRodeo file photo Tie-down roper Jeff Copenhaver competes during the 1978 National Finals Rodeo. Copenhaver qualified for the NFR six times.

BY TRACY RENCK J eff Copenhaver, the 1975 PRCAWorld Champion Tie-Down Roper, and an instrumental figure in the cowboy ministry, passed away May 17 in Granbury, Texas. He was 73. Copenhaver is the son of ProRodeo Hall of Famer and two-time Saddle Bronc Riding World Champion Deb Copenhaver. Deb passed away Feb. 6, 2019, at the age of 94. “It was a great ride,” said Sherry Copenhaver, about her marriage to Jeff for 43 years. “I want people to remember that he made a difference for God in this Earth and that he was a great mentor, a great roping coach and I lived with a champion, and I lived with a fighter.” Jeff and Sherry had one child, daughter, Shandy, who is married to Lasting Legacy

World champion tie-down roper Jeff Copenhaver passes

Cody Stromberg. Jeff qualified for the National Finals Rodeo six times – 1971, 1973-76 and 1978. He was fourth and fifth in the world standings in 1974 and ‘76 and was the world champ in 1975. “Jeff lived life with a passion and zeal,” Sherry said. “He was able to give back to others. He was able to be a great mentor and tutor and helped others become world champions.” Jeff was born Jan. 12, 1949, and raised on a ranch in Post Falls, Idaho. Jeff started roping at age four and by 11 he was competing seriously. In addition to help from his dad, and roper George Richmond, and WarrenWuthier, Jeff also honed his roping skills by watching old movies of ProRodeo Hall of Famers Dean Oliver and Jim Bob Altizer roping. Jeff did go through a one-week binge of wanting to ride roughstock

ProRodeo Sports News 5/27/2022

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