Leon Pope
Leon Pope is a fierce defender of his western heritage. Every day you can find him working and making sacrifices that no one sees or knows about. This includes helping with the 24th Celebration his whole life.
He tells of the days when each ranch in the valley would rotate donating a beef to feed the community in celebration, horse races, rodeo, and baseball. Each celebration you will see him riding shotgun in the parade for the Grand Marshall. Leon has been a part of the rodeo on the 24th all his life and has helped it evolve to what it is today. From a community/church event, to the establishment of the CSSC, and now by supporting the next generation of cowboys.
In the early days of the CSSC, a group including Leon, got together and went to Oregon to get the bucking chutes and set them up. They also gathered the panels that make up the arena today, acquired the grandstands, assembled the sound system, and worked for the good of the community. Helping with naming the arena, he recognized the importance of honoring our pioneer heritage by naming it The Pioneer Stockman’s Arena. “Pioneer” because it’s the place to honor our heritage. “Stockman’s” because he remembers loading the trains with stock on the west end of where the arena sits today. These are memories he and many others will always hold dear.
Leon has been a pick-up man, an announcer, a volunteer stock supplier, a judge, a participant, a committee member, a steady helping hand, an encouraging word, and always a fan and support to the CSSC.
Many might remember him participating in the Wild Cow Milking with his brothers, roping two cows with one loop, or organizing unique events to include those in the community who didn’t typically wear a hat and boots. Some of the fan favorites he helped coordinate were the rawhide, the grocery, and the bankers’ races, pig wrestling, and many more that brought the community together.
Leon believes it’s a group effort and it takes all to put on an event to honor our legacy. He’s a traditionalist, heritage is important to him, and this is his home. To him, this day is for turning back to our Pioneer heritage, remembering the stockman’s values, and to welcome friends and family home. We are proud to honor him on this 25th anniversary of a foundational tradition!
*Story contributed by Sierra Bass, Leon’s daughter
Wow. What a legacy Leon created for his posterity and the Cokeville community. Once again we learn just how many people have come together over the years to sacrifice for the Cokeville Rodeo.
This celebration is absolutely about honoring. It’s about our heritage. And it’s about remembering…
We Remember, Leon.
Thank you for reminding us, and continuing to serve and spread this profound pride we all have in the great sport of rodeo!