Rodeo pro is honored at 'Day of the Cowboy'

OGDEN — The Ogden Pioneer Heritage Foundation and the Ogden Pioneer Days committee will recognize cowboys from every county in the state of Utah who have made outstanding contributions to the western heritage lifestyle and to the preservation of Utah's western and cowboy culture for future generations.

The "Day of the Cowboy" took place July 22 at the Ogden stadium.

Gary L. Cooper of Utah County was honored.

Cooper is a lifelong resident of Lehi and has been a pioneering influence on rodeo in the state's rodeo heritage.

Rodeo has been a part of Cooper's life for more than 50 years, and his accomplishments include three Rocky Mountain Rodeo Association Bareback Riding championships in 1969 through 1971. His son Cam was also an accomplished bareback rider for many years.

Gary served as the Utah State High School Rodeo director for six years and was also on the RMRA board of directors for five years during his rodeo career, which dates from 1948 to 1976.

He served as rodeo coach for what is now known as Utah Valley State College and also competed in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association during that time.

Cooper was always an energetic, enthusiastic participant in all that he was involved in, which included entertaining rodeo crowds as a clown and bullfighter. He judged the rough stock events at many rodeos around the state and was known for his competitive nature and toughness in and out of the arena.

His influence has been far-reaching, his daughter Desiree was the 1979 Miss Rodeo Utah and she continues to be involved in the sport serving on the Miss Rodeo America National Advisory Board. His son Gary and daughter Candace have also competed.

His granddaughter Loni Johnston-Ekins was the 1995 National High School Rodeo queen and is an accomplished rodeo announcer. His grandson Cody is also a professional team roper and horse trainer.

Gary Cooper has spent his life breaking, training and raising quarter horses, which he continues to do today.