Sep 14 2009
Hall of Fame inducts trio
Sunday banquet honors Osborn, Wocatsie and Copenhaver
PENDLETON — The Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame 2009 inductees were feted with a dinner at the Pendleton Convention Center Sept. 13. The new members are the late Ollie Osborn, the late Willie Wocatsie and Deb Copenhaver.
Osborn’s award was accepted by her good friend Kathryn Ramey, who was on the 1929 Round-Up Court. The first woman to pursue the sport of rodeo full time, Osborn won many championships for bronc riding. Born in 1896 in Union, she was known for her daring rides, without hobbles, like the men as well as her extravagant tailor-made clothes. She continued to ride until 1932. During World War II she worked in the defense plant in Hermiston until an accident forced her to retire. She died June 11, 1989 at the age of 92.
Ron Pond and Linda Jones accepted Wocatsie’s award. He was born in 1881 in Wallula of the Walla Walla tribe. Wocatsie was involved in the Pendleton Round-Up since it began in 1910 and served with his cousin, the late Clarence Burke, as Round-Up co-chief from 1936 until his death in 1950. A recognized leader on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, he was said to always be willing to help, whether people needed money, material items or food.
Copenhaver was on hand at the induction ceremony. Born in 1925 in Wilbur, Wash., he was a bronc rider whose first competition was in 1940. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned to compete in all the major North American rodeos. He won numerous bronc riding titles at several major rodeos, often two or three times each. He won the Pendleton Round-Up in 1955 riding War Paint, the horse that now resides (thanks to a taxidermist) in the Hall of Fame Museum. Copenhaver was world champion in 1955 and 1956. He was inducted into the National Rodeo Cowboys Hall of Fame in 1991.
This is the 40th anniversary for the Hall of Fame. Since it began in 1969,at least one new member — athletes, volunteers and livestock — has been inducted each year.
Sep 28 2009
Erin West writes…
I am Deb Copenhaver’s great niece and it was amazing at how many people came up to him at the rodeo and asked for a picture or an autograph. He is such an inspiring man. He has really inspired a lot of people including my older brother, Blake West.
Oct 3 2009
Lynne Erickson writes…
The Pendleton Round-Up is a special annual event in my family’s lives, and it will continue to be when I am gone. At the beginning of each Round-Up, the riders ride in one by one with their flag(s), and the court rides in one by one, the tears start flowing! It touches my heart every time, and is probably THE most important part of the event for me. Once the entrance ceremony is over, then I’m ready to hoop “N haller!!!
Thank you for this opportunity to share my feelings. Lynne Erickson