Honoring a Big-Hearted Cowboy

The Big Mark Memorial Roping was held September 5th and 6th at the Steve Watne arena in Gully, MN. Family and friends arrived from all over to rope and pay tribute to a man who was lost too soon to cancer.

He was remembered prior to both days events in a ceremony of the riderless horse. Mark’s horse, Chopper, who Mark’s son, Blake roped on at this event, was led by Brian Gillund on Saturday and by Shawn Hanson on Sunday. They are two very dear friends of Mark’s.

The competition was based on a two day average of catches in a round robin roping event. There were 14 ropers on each end. Thanks to a very generous group of sponsors, 2 beautiful Corriente brand saddles were given to the top header and the top heeler. Dalton Wells of Leader, MN was awarded the Champion Header saddle and Alan Olson from Roseau, MN was awarded the Champion Heeler saddle. Al Benson, Andrew Everson, Shawn Hanson, Wayne Sutton, Sam Olson, Brady Nelson, and Charlie Lokken were also awarded cash prizes.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition https://www.etypeservices.com/Middle%20River%20HonkerID269/