Wyoming Tribune Eagle Online

Remembrance

By Jeremiah Johnke
jjohnke@wyomingnews.com

CHEYENNE - The ties between Cheyenne Frontier Days and popular country musician and former bareback rider Chris LeDoux became even more tightly knotted Tuesday.

Not long after dismounting bareback horse Bear Sign, Beau LeDoux reached into his shirt pocket, pulled out a small bag of his father's ashes and poured them on the arena floor.

The plan had been in the works for two years, but the 24-year-old had been injured and unable to compete in the past two CFD rodeos. LeDoux posted an 81-point ride Tuesday to tie for third in the second go-round. He recorded a 70 on Monday.

"It was something my family and I thought would be right to do because this was such a special rodeo to him," Beau LeDoux said. "This has always been a special rodeo in my family. My dad rode here and came close to winning here a couple of times.

"It's kind of a tradition for my family."

Chris LeDoux, who lived on a ranch near Kaycee, died March 9, 2005, from complications related to cancer of the bile duct. He was 56.

The elder LeDoux won the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's world bareback title in 1976. He also was a collegiate national champion and Wyoming high-school rodeo champion.

Chris LeDoux embarked on his music career in 1971 and released roughly an album per year until his death. He was inducted in to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame in 2003 and was a dual inductee of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame as an athlete and musician. He performed at CFD every other year from 1993 to 2003.

While those items certainly bound the Cheyenne Central graduate to the "Daddy of 'em All," Beau LeDoux said the ties started much earlier.

"He used to come up here and play rodeo," Beau LeDoux said. "He'd load his horse up in the chute when nobody else was around and ride his horse up and down the arena.

"I've wanted to (dump his father's ashes in the arena) for two years. I think he'd be pleased."

Reader Comments:

JD Ahrns wrote on Jun 3, 2009 7:44 PM:

" I grew up listening to Chris' music long before it was sold in any music stores. Chris has been an idol of mine for many years. God bless all the LeDoux family. I pray your loss is softened. Chris will forever be missed! "

Arline wrote on May 13, 2009 11:19 AM:

" God knows there is one Amazing Cowboy in heaven now and hewill alway's be there to watch his sons and all the other cowboys ride.If you think you are alone on that ride cowboys and cowgirls-think again! I listened to him while serving in Iraq and since the early 80's my children grew up listening to him.Now our sons 4daughters listen to Chris's songs.I was at a concert in west Melbourne Florida shortly before his passing and I kept hollering out requests to his old rodeo songs.Chris looked out over the crowd and the great guy he is said"who is that that knows my music"? I requested re-ride and he laughed and had then proceeded to put on the BEST concert I have ever seen and will never forget.He alway's makes you feel better and I know God will alway's bless you Miss Peggy and all you fine youngins that your daddy was so proud of. He is a cowboys wings. "

Jim Nidiffer Mounds Ok wrote on Mar 10, 2009 10:38 PM:

" 824Another year and Chris' music is still alive, in my heart and soul. God bless you Peggy and the kids. My prayers are with you and Chris is missed greatly. Every day of my life I listen to him. God is two-stepping to his music, noe. Jim Nidiffer "

rob rendon wrote on Mar 6, 2009 11:56 PM:

" I got the opportunity to meet Chris in Cheyenne when he was filming the last portions of his "Horsepower" video. I worked as a ranchhand at the Terry Bison Ranch years before but back on vacation. I got to meet this gentleman as well as his band. I will never forget that day. I saw him perform in Greeley and Cheyenne several times and thought I would never get the chance to meet this hombre. Well that evening when the bus came down the hill at the TBR it happened. My kids are even listening to him and they are only 4 and 5 with an 8 month old right behind and they love him. I currently reside in Tx and I sure miss those wyoming days. Right now Mr. Ledoux is playing in those "Great Western Skies", God bless him and his family. Thank you for memories. "

Dagmar Hewett wrote on Dec 26, 2008 10:36 PM:

" If tears would built a highway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring Chris home again.
No one will ever replace him. "

Sabrina wrote on Apr 28, 2008 9:14 AM:

" To any one who grew up as a LeDoux fan, you know how much of an impact he has made on your lives. I wish there were more artists out there that were as great of role models to young people as this man was to me when I was so young. I've been listening to him since my freshman year in high school, saw him front row at the Grizzly Rose 3 times, and 15 years later, he still is my #1 pick! Thank you, LeDoux Family, for keeping his legacy going. Your husband and Father will always be a truly amazing man! He is definatly #1 in God's Rodeo and Concert every night I'm sure!

Good Ride, Cowboy, Good Ride!

We all miss you and Love you dearly! "

Jared Ludvigson wrote on Apr 14, 2008 9:09 PM:

" Dear Ledoux family, words can't describe the love I have for your husband and father. He is the best, my brother was killed a year before Chris died, he was a huge role model to both my brother and me. I look up to him to this day and I am starting to write music and need help gettin going, I just hope someday I can touch the millions of hearts chris did. May god be with you and rest in piece Chris I love ya, nice ride cowboy!
Jared! "

rocky brown wrote on Apr 7, 2008 8:17 PM:

" i spent most of my growing up life listening to chris ,and still do most days even now he was an american original surpassed by none , i like most fans felt him to be more like a friend than anything,he was a real role model in a world full of fakes he didnt just put on the boots and the hat and play cowboy he was the real thing, he accompanied me on many long rides to various rodeos till my rodeoing days ended
god bless chris , peggy and the rest of they're family. "

jason johnson wrote on Mar 19, 2008 8:15 PM:

" what can i say about chris ledoux that hasnt been said or known?but he was(and still is)a great friend even though i never met him.i have had the privelige to have seen him perform on several occasions at billy bobs texas and the 4 states arena in texarkana and each time was awesome.god took him way too soon,but like dan seals,and chrs sang ,God must be a cowboy. northeast texas misses him.God bless chris ledoux and his family. "

Dave Kelley wrote on Mar 10, 2008 3:31 PM:

" I just now ran accross this site after listening to a Chris Ledoux song on an ipod. I am a police officer just outside of Atlanta. About 1988 I worked crowd control at a Holiday can athon for a local TV station. Chris Ledoux was to appear there along with several other celebrities. He and I spent a couple of hours talking about our families, politics, hunting, and just about everything else. He signed a picture for me that said "Dave, keep em in line". I went home and told my wife, what a super nice, stright up family man that he was and Im pretty judemental sometimes. I lost my dad to stomach cancer this past year. And the year before a good friend to cancer that was in her bile duct. I was sadened by his death because I know hw was like an old movie cowboy, A"GOOD GUY". GOD bless his family and friends.
I was impressed that this was one of the true good folks that you liked right away. Usually a celbities talent is what draws you to em, who they are. "

Tiffany wrote on Mar 10, 2008 12:05 AM:

" I listen to Chris almost every day driving into work, I especially love "Tennessee Stud" that song, to me, represents my husband and I and our journey.
God Bless Ms Peggy and children
"

Jim Nidiffer wrote on Mar 6, 2008 8:57 PM:

" "Tougher Than The Rest"....He sang it, I've lived it. Miss you, Chris. God bless Peggy and the kids. Jim Nidiffer, Vinita, Ok "

edgar wrote on Feb 23, 2008 4:57 PM:

" From the first time I heard Chris's music way back when,I couldn't stop listening.Chris & I have a bit in common, I grew up with the western way of life & have developed stage end liver disease.I once had the priveledge of seeing him in concert in Edmonton, Alberta & shaking his hand. One of the biggest thrll's of my life.
We'll meet again soon, Edgar Nickel
Canada. "

G Holmes wrote on Feb 20, 2008 12:19 PM:

" I was there at CFD Rodeo last July . . . Had no clue what was going to happen, but when I saw Beau take out the bag and spread "something" on the ground where he just had an amazing ride, I knew instantly what he had done. I hadn't even read anything about it until I found this site! I remain forever a Chris fan -- and now a Beau fan! See you in Cheyenne! "

Kim in Montana wrote on Feb 16, 2008 9:02 PM:

" To Peggy and the kids, Chris was a amazing man backed by a amazing wife and family...God has blessed you all. "

joe Anapo wrote on Jan 11, 2008 9:41 PM:

" Hi to all the family, big fan of chris's music here in australia, been touched by his death. Loved to have seen him in concert but nevermind his music is always around me. God bless you all and may he keep you all strong in faith. "

Lonny L. Jensen wrote on Jan 9, 2008 11:37 AM:

" Next time you are on the Top of a Mountain with the sun just going down. And if your quite and listen real close you will still hear Chris singing..

Thanks Chris !! "

Pat Johndrow wrote on Nov 8, 2007 7:46 AM:

" Growing up near OKC the NFR was part of my life as a child....Chris was one of my childhood heroes and at 43 year-old there is ALWAYS a Chris Ledoux CD in the changer. Chris is missed, cannot be replaced and God bless his family. 2gfny "

Jesse wrote on Nov 7, 2007 9:55 PM:

" I was turned on to Chris' music probably 15 years ago. I am now 28 and saw him in concert 7 or 8 times. He was an awesome entertainer and a great man. I met him in '99 at the Red River Valley Fair in West Fargo, ND. I saw him whenever the show was in North Dakota, The music is always playing and he is missed around here. "

Greg Weyland wrote on Nov 3, 2007 2:27 PM:

" Both of my sets of twins grew up on Chris's music, while riding in the rach truck. My first date with my wife was at a concert in Reno. My wife and the older twins met Chris after a concert in Sparks, NV at the the Nugget. We met again at a concert in Carson City. He is missed by this family and we wish the best to all the LeDouxs. My tribute is learning some of his songs to keep his music alive. JUST LEDOUX IT! "

Jessica wrote on Oct 30, 2007 12:55 PM:

" Chris LeDoux was my 3rd cousin. He was the greatest guy ever. He is very loved and misses. Thank you for all thoses good old days. Love ya, Blakeman Family "

lulu wrote on Oct 29, 2007 12:13 AM:

" I had a few favorites, Western Skies.. it reminds one of the good ole' wholesome days of living. Need more music like this..Peace to all of you and your family..Forever.. "

Kirsten wrote on Oct 16, 2007 1:28 PM:

" I like so many of Chris's fans are trying to follow his foot steps into rodeo. Although you'll NEVER catch me on a buckin' bronc, I am learning to rope and barrel race. Chris, you are still, loved dearly missed but NEVER forgotten. God bless Peggy, Beau, Ned, Clay, Will and Cindi. I am Chris LeDoux fan FOREVER! Rock on Western Underground. God Bless, Kirsten "

Dean Baden wrote on Oct 11, 2007 6:35 AM:

" I never was able to see Chris LeDoux live but his CDs are often on and helps me make it through each work week here in Maryland. Heaven is a better place now that everyone can enjoy his music... "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance?" "

Bryant Ralston wrote on Sep 20, 2007 12:00 AM:

" A fitting tribute to a fine rodeo man, musician, and most importantly father and husband. I'm proud to be a fan! "

AL Herbert wrote on Sep 16, 2007 12:35 PM:

" "And when I die, you can bury me, neith this western sky" Chris is home and happy now, Beau, thanks to you. God bless you and the Ledoux family. "

Travis wrote on Sep 11, 2007 1:40 AM:

" Peggy, To your family, my deepest sympathy's! Chris was my biggest inspiration, not only in rodeo but my military career. My family knew of him well! He will be missed dearly by his Utah fans!! "

Mick Higgins Leeds/UK wrote on Sep 6, 2007 5:03 PM:

" Been listening to Chris this afternoon, what a great singer. Only just found out he passed away 2005. a sad loss to his family and all music lovers the world over.I'll remember him through his music good night and god bless. "

Todd Chadwick wrote on Sep 2, 2007 9:44 PM:

" "Peggy" That must stand for strenght and determination!!! I am sure Chris was the toughest on earth until it came to you!! God bless you for all you have kept together. Take care of your momma, boys!!! "

Stu in Idaho wrote on Sep 2, 2007 5:30 PM:

" Chris LeDoux is a true American in all respects. Glad he will carry on with us for ever in spirit. Beau, you tugged our heart strings in honoring your father in a LeDoux heart felt fashion. God bless, keep at it! Let'r Buck. Stu "

Barry Boulton wrote on Aug 25, 2007 5:58 PM:

" I am so glad to see that the spirit of Chris Ledoux is still living strong, through his family and friend. I've have been a big Chris fan since the 80's. And to hear of his death 2years sgo, I felt a great part of me die to. I also did the rodoe thing for many years. Riding in some of the same arenea's in Utah, that Chris rode in. Especially Murray County fair. I'm so thankful that Capital Nashville re-released all of his old songs. Because I was missing only 2 cd's now I have every single one of them. And I play them all the time. To the whole Ledoux family, we love you guys and you and Chris are always in my heart and prayers. "

Daisy Lemaster and Lindsay Conyers wrote on Aug 23, 2007 3:30 PM:

" Oh, P.S. You might be slightly confused... Will was the manager of the Wyo. Cowboys at the time... he probably remembers the occasion... it'd give you guys something to yack about for 5 minutes... LOL... take care. I can't think your dad could be any happier or proud of all of your accomplishments and how you all turned out. Good Job! "

Daisy Lemaster and Lindsay Conyers wrote on Aug 23, 2007 3:25 PM:

" Hey, to all of you LeDoux's out there... from growing up next door to you in Buffalo or Lindsay being the trainer on the Wyoming Cowboys Football Team and getting snockered with your mom in Nashville on one of the out of town games... there isn't a day that goes by while we sit down here in Texas and not think of you, your dad, and the rest of your family... I make sure that every honkey tonk in Waco,TX plays one of your dad's songs before the evenings over just in rememberance... sometimes Lindsay and I get a little teary-eyed and sometimes we just dance... either way he deserves special mention and you all deserve our thoughts and love! Take care of yourselves! "

Beppe from Italy wrote on Aug 21, 2007 6:21 AM:

" Wish I could have been there. This is a great way to remember and honor Chris LeDoux. You see another fan from Italy already posted here... that's great! We may say that Chris LeDoux, his music, his love for the rodeo life and most of all the values he followed in his life have no borders and no time. God bless Chris LeDoux! Regards to his family, if you ever come to Italy, you're welcome! "

Carol Hughes wrote on Aug 20, 2007 5:59 PM:

" I am a fairly new fan of Chris and his music, but he has found a permanent place deep in my heart. His music has truly touched me. I can see that he was a special man. God has definitely blessed all your family to have loved him and been loved by him. God be with you all. "

theresa wrote on Aug 18, 2007 10:32 PM:

" the last show i saw your father in was country thunder, in twin lakes wi, and it will forever be in my heart. Chris Ledoux was a great man, and his greatest will live forever. God Bless Chris Ledoux!!! The best to you Beau and your family. "

Donald Cawthon wrote on Aug 16, 2007 5:05 AM:

" To the LeDoux family, I first saw Mr. LeDoux at Billy Bobs in Fort Worth, Texas. I believe it was in 92-93 I was on a date with a woman who is now my wife of 14 years. We both love his music, and his showmanship. I am currently in the middle east on a second tour as a contractor. I only have 2 c.d.'s and both are of Chris LeDoux. I never met him, but it seems he was a great man as well as a great entertainer. "

John & Shelley Holman wrote on Aug 13, 2007 10:51 PM:

" What a special day that must have been for you Beau, to have such a great ride and to honor your dad at Cheyenne. Wish we could have been there to share in the moment. Hello to your mom and the rest of your family! God Bless "

Rocky Forrester wrote on Aug 11, 2007 6:35 PM:

" I have been a fan for a long time seen him in concert 100 or more times was in his fan club all the way up till is passing, in W.U. fan club now. It is still hard to think that he is gone after 2yrs. He will allways be missed by many who cared for the man. "

Denis italian cowboy wrote on Aug 11, 2007 4:30 AM:

" There wasn't a better way to remember your father's style.He will always be remembered in ALL THE WORLD.I'm from ITALY and we Know Him and his great music!!!! Bless you Beau and the whole LeDoux family! "

Walter Manning wrote on Aug 10, 2007 6:18 PM:

" Beau, I first met your Dad in 75, bought my first rodeo tape from him in Calif. He is truly missed by his fans and by all who knew him. Keep ridin hard Let er buck. "

SSG John Tilley wrote on Aug 8, 2007 12:51 PM:

" Chris signed my Bareback riggin back in 1995 brought me some good luck. I seen him in Concert Numerous times and there isn't anyone in country music that has a show that pales in comparison. Thanks to Chris's music I made it through a deployment with the Army Reserve in Iraq. Thanks Chris for the Memories and God is enjoying your music live now. "God Bless Chris Ledoux!" From my Family to the Ledoux family our prayers are with you. "

Gene Kimsey wrote on Aug 6, 2007 9:59 PM:

" Chris was one of the all time great cowboy. I'll bet that ole Chris is talkin' 'bout the good times with Jim Shoulders. Hang in there Beau. "

Al Smith wrote on Aug 6, 2007 4:18 PM:

" One of the greatest shows I have ever seen,Chris in Vegas,NOBODY sat down,all dancing and cheering.Thanks,Beau.JUST LEDOUX IT ! "

James Treat wrote on Aug 5, 2007 3:01 PM:

" "Beau" Your father reach three generation of my family, and my friends in the cowboy and Navy and Corps. world. I lost my parents too. My heart and prayers are theeir for you. God bles "

Rick Morrissette wrote on Aug 4, 2007 9:22 PM:

" This is a great story! I'm from Minnesota, but I've always told people that the best place to hear Chris sing, was in his own backyard, Wyoming. Chris is greatly missed and I'm glad his band continues to go on. The Old West Museum had a great exihibit last year on Chris. He was a very big part of CFD. "

Kathy wrote on Aug 4, 2007 6:52 PM:

" Chris LeDoux was a great cowboy, singer & man. I had the pleasure to meet him some years back at a concert in Laughlin, Nevada. He is surely missed. God Bless Chris LeDoux "

Patsy White wrote on Aug 1, 2007 2:28 PM:

" Chris Ledoux's music is the music that touches the deepest part of me. It is the best. "

chrissy wrote on Aug 1, 2007 6:55 AM:

" If two cowboys should meet, Chris Ledoux and Lane Frost, in an arena where cowboys and cowgirls perform their best. We lost two of the greastest performers , but if you look up in the Wyoming night, you will see two of the brightest stars shinning down. They are gone, but will never be forgotten. They live in everyone of us as heroes of the West. "

Ben wrote on Jul 31, 2007 6:50 PM:

" this choked me up. even though i didnt really hear about him until long after he died, he is one of my greatest heros. "

Ryan Olsen wrote on Jul 31, 2007 11:19 AM:

" Not a day goes by that Chris' music isn't on at the house. We love him and miss him dearly. Hope to meet him in the next life. "

Cody Graham wrote on Jul 30, 2007 2:32 PM:

" Whenever I go to ride bulls I always listen to Chris Ledooux he's greatly missed by cowboys everywhere. "

A Forever Fan, Leesa wrote on Jul 30, 2007 12:46 PM:

" To Beau, and the LaDoux family,I love your father's music, I am proud that he called Wyoming home. We love ya Chris, may the sun shine bright, to warm you, may the stars guide you through the night, may your horse never throw you and your guitar always be tuned,just right. You made it to the last go round. You will live forever in our hearts. Until we meet again in that big arena in the sky. "

Fred & Cache Crane wrote on Jul 30, 2007 10:04 AM:

" Hero's are remembered;Legends live forever!Western Underground keeps your dad's music playing in our hearts. Keep kickin' it! "

Britt R. wrote on Jul 30, 2007 9:45 AM:

" That was a wonderful way to bless your father's legacy and leave a part of him where he will always be remembered. Bless you Beau and the whole LeDoux family! "

Danette Roan wrote on Jul 29, 2007 11:10 PM:

" Beau & the Ledoux Family , your loss of your father was heart felt world wide, but always know how blessed you were and are and always will be, due to his legacy. "

John Olthoff wrote on Jul 29, 2007 8:07 AM:

" there will never be another like him. to the LeDoux Family your loss is the world's...GOD BLESS CHRIS LEDOUX "

Argie wrote on Jul 28, 2007 12:23 PM:

" God Bless Chris LeDoux and the LeDoux family. He was a true cowboy and a gentleman. "

Nancie Dumdi wrote on Jul 28, 2007 10:26 AM:

" How awesome. Wish I had been there to watch. My husband is steer wrestling today. Love that rodeo and your dad. He is greatly missed. Listen to his music all the time. Every time we go to Greeley my 7 yrs old son asks if we're going to see Chris LeDoux again. "

jeff overstreet wrote on Jul 28, 2007 7:40 AM:

" years have passed but it's still hard thinking about the loss.. God Bless You Chris "

Dave Beeman wrote on Jul 27, 2007 10:52 PM:

" As some have already said, the "Real Deal", a great man, he will be missed, but i am sur he is bustin' broncs for the man upstairs now, and having a grand time. "

Lacey Driskell wrote on Jul 27, 2007 2:15 PM:

" Your father is missed and will always be missed but you got to keep on truckin'. "

DJ wrote on Jul 26, 2007 11:40 PM:

" In a genre filled with posers he was the real deal.Just pure country! "

Paul Quist wrote on Jul 26, 2007 5:00 PM:

" If more people in this world were like your father, than it would be a better place. God bless. He is truly missed. "

ED HERRICK wrote on Jul 26, 2007 4:42 PM:

" Iknew your father,Beau he would please and very proud. "

Ron Clift wrote on Jul 26, 2007 2:00 PM:

" I would just like to say GOD Bless the entire Ledoux Family. Ronald Clift U.S.NAVY "

Butch Bracht wrote on Jul 25, 2007 12:59 PM:

" Beau, I know I speak for many when I say you father is missed.... loved.... and remembered "

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