WISH RECIPIENTS
2008 - Casper Rodeo
Casper , Wyoming
Wish Recipient - Jace & Family
" A TRIBUTE TO CHRIS LEDOUX"
There is a beautiful, kind hearted, talented, compassionate and loving lady, Mrs. Dona Vold Larsen of Casper, Wyoming, who is forever a firend to so many and a special friend to our late and great cowboy, artist, father, husband, and musical artist, Mr.Chris LeDoux of Kaycee, Wyoming.
Dona, a member of the Triple V Rodeo Production, along with her daughter Tami and husband Bill Larsen, has once again proven be to a female and cowgirl, who can out do any man in any function, fashion or manner.
She produces a rodeo in Casper, Wyoming in late October, early November, which is entitled, "A Tribute To Chris LeDoux", to continue his legacy for his love of rodeo. Chris LeDoux not only participated in rodeo, but was graced with the talent of being an artist and a gifted man who made music. Chris's music is country western to which many of his songs were sung from lifetime experiences, and are now a part of the greatest country music hits of our time.It is through her love of rodeo that grants her desire of compassion to share this experience with a local child with a "rodeo wish".
This year's wish recipient was referred by the Jason's Friends Foundation of Casper, Wyoming, as Jace Johnson, parents of Bob and Teresa Johnson of Casper, Wyoming. Jace turned 10 years old during this wish, so naturally he had a big birthday cake and party with many rodeo participants and rodeo guests whom were in attendance at the Annual Art Show, held at the Parkway Plaza in Casper, Wyoming. Many of the Larsen's family personal works of Chris's art are on loan at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This Annual Art Show allows the public a chance to view his many talents. This is like no other tribute to a gentleman of many talents, but was also very unselfish in giving back to others.
Jace was afflicted by cancer, but this strong young man did not allow his challenge in life to consume his activities. Jace had never been around a horse prior to this wish, so to ride one was an unbelievable opportunity for him and all of us. He was not sure how he would mount this horse as his left arm was not capable of allowing him to just swing into the saddle. NO PROBLEM! He was lifted up into the saddle by loved ones, and guess what? He had NO desire to dismount.
So, within a short span of time, he became very close to "Dude" and genuinely felt an instant love for this four legged gift of God's. He could watch the rodeo from behind the fence and still see everything happening in the arena up and close. Without any prior planning, a gentleman walked up and asked if he could "escort and lead" Jace around the arena horseback, while he was being introduced to a standing room only crowd. Well of course , and this individual was Mr. Trent Willmon, the country western artist who was also the entertainer for the night's concert.
As Trent lead Jace around the arena to a standing ovation, they came to the center of the arena. At this time, Jace presented Dona Vold Larsen, Ms. Cheyenne Frontier Days and her Lady-In-Waiting a dozen red roses. Without them realizing why, we asked his parents to walk into the arena and be in front of Jace so they could also be introduced. Jace "surprised" his parents by being lead over on Dude and he gave his mother a dozen yellow roses. Of course, there were Happy Tears shed by many, but Jace became a Cowboy instantly. He wore his fancy shirt, jeans and boots, not to mentioned his multi-colored autographed straw hat with his smile that was contagious. He held the reins perfectly, Jace sat in that saddle so straight and tall---as if he were born in the saddle {so to speak} and rode Dude like he had just been crowned the All Around Champion Cowboy in all of Rodeo. He rode like a champion and in turn, reflected to all of us what a UNIQUE young man can do once he sets his mind to the task at hand.
As he was sitting on Dude, a son of Chris's, Mr.Beau Le Doux, walked up and gave him his "brand new" riding glove. Beau had worn this glove during his ride in competition that night at the rodeo. Jace smiled so big and was so thankful for this kind gesture. See......it is in the Family Genes!!!!!
It was overheard that as his father Bob went to assist Jace in his dismount, Jace stated to his dad, " I CAN DO THIS BY MYSELF NOW DAD, I AM A COWBOY". He dismounted on the right side of Dude and the smiles overtook us all.
A very short time after his "memorable evening", he was flown by Flight For Life to Denver, Colorado, with his family by his side. Jace fought hard, harder than any of us could ever realize, then passed over to our Lord.
We deeply grieve the loss of Jace and all he gave to all of us, but no cowboy could have carried this matter any better than Jace. We believe he
is in a better place, he is without pain, and he now has his choice of horses. He is also very blessed as he can now ride with Chris LeDoux and they can
make thier own music.
Folks, now you can understand the love of our animals and the peaceful association they give so unselfishly to our families.
We are PROUD to have the Johnson's as integral members of our extended rodeo family. We thank them for allowing us the privilege for sharing our western heritage with them. They are such a VERY SPECIAL family and we love them dearly.
