Benny Reynolds, the 1961
all-around world champion and member of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, died
of an apparent heart attack while loading hay at his ranch in Twin
Bridges on Friday.
He was 77.
Considered one of the most versatile athletes in the history of professional rodeo, Reynolds competed mainly in bareback riding, bull riding and steer wrestling. He also competed in saddle bronc riding and team roping. It is estimated he accumulated more than 360 buckles in his 40-plus career.
He was the PRCA’s Rookie of the Year in 1958 and qualified for the National Finals Ro
deo 11 times over a seven-year span, earning multiple berths in each of the NFR’s first four years (1959-62).
Reynolds was the winner of the inaugural Linderman Award, given to a cowboy who competes at both ends of the arena, in 1966.
“He was one of my heroes,” said three-time world saddle bronc champion Shawn Davis, who was originally from Whitehall. “I traveled with him for a while when I was starting out and we’ve been friends forever. He was one of the great ones.”
Reynolds stopped competing in riding events in 1993 after he suffered a broken neck at the age of 57. He would steer wrestle a few more years and continued to team rope at Old Timer’s Rodeos until he was 71.
Reynolds still roped regularly and worked his 270-acre ranch. From 1987 until last December, he worked the arena gates at every NFR.
Originally from Melrose, Reynolds was listed among Montana’s Greatest Sports Figures in the 20th century by Sports Illustrated.
He is survived by his three children – Rooster, Jenny and Louis John – all of whom live near the family ranch. Rooster Reynolds, the 1995 NFR steer wrestling average champion, was working with his father when he died. Source
I got to party one night (all night as I recall) with Benny Reynolds and my good friend Rick Ewing after an NFR performance. When the NFR was over Reynolds gave me his NFR official vest. Its something I've treasured over the years and will now more than ever.
Here's a video tribute to Reynolds.
He was 77.
Considered one of the most versatile athletes in the history of professional rodeo, Reynolds competed mainly in bareback riding, bull riding and steer wrestling. He also competed in saddle bronc riding and team roping. It is estimated he accumulated more than 360 buckles in his 40-plus career.
He was the PRCA’s Rookie of the Year in 1958 and qualified for the National Finals Ro
deo 11 times over a seven-year span, earning multiple berths in each of the NFR’s first four years (1959-62).
Reynolds was the winner of the inaugural Linderman Award, given to a cowboy who competes at both ends of the arena, in 1966.
“He was one of my heroes,” said three-time world saddle bronc champion Shawn Davis, who was originally from Whitehall. “I traveled with him for a while when I was starting out and we’ve been friends forever. He was one of the great ones.”
Reynolds stopped competing in riding events in 1993 after he suffered a broken neck at the age of 57. He would steer wrestle a few more years and continued to team rope at Old Timer’s Rodeos until he was 71.
Reynolds still roped regularly and worked his 270-acre ranch. From 1987 until last December, he worked the arena gates at every NFR.
Originally from Melrose, Reynolds was listed among Montana’s Greatest Sports Figures in the 20th century by Sports Illustrated.
He is survived by his three children – Rooster, Jenny and Louis John – all of whom live near the family ranch. Rooster Reynolds, the 1995 NFR steer wrestling average champion, was working with his father when he died. Source
Here's a video tribute to Reynolds.
1 comment:
Wow ! What a Cowboy for sure. I would love to have known him. I remember his name from my Dad talking about him.
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