Larry Mahan, one of the most celebrated and influential rodeo cowboys of all time, passed away on May 7, 2023, at his home in Valley View, Texas. He was 79 years old. The cause of his death was not officially announced by his family, but some sources have reported that he had been diagnosed with bone marrow cancer three years ago and had been receiving hospice care at home
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A Rodeo Star with Unmatched Achievements
Larry Mahan was born on November 21, 1943, in Salem, Oregon. He grew up in a ranching family and started competing in rodeos when he was 14 years old. He joined the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA), later renamed the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), in 1963 and quickly rose to fame with his natural talent and dedication to the sport
He won six all-around world championships, a record that was only broken by Tom Ferguson in 1979 and Ty Murray in 1998. He also won two bull riding world championships, in 1965 and 1967. He was the first cowboy to compete in three national finals rodeo events in one year, and the first to win more than $50,000 in a single season. He earned more than $280,000 by the end of 1970
He was the subject of the documentary The Great American Cowboy, which won the 1974 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Film. The film chronicled his rivalry and friendship with Phil Lyne, another rodeo champion, during the 1973 season
He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979 in the all-around category and was also honored as a Legend of ProRodeo in 2010. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest rodeo cowboys of all time and a pioneer of the sport
A Cowboy with Many Interests and Ventures
Larry Mahan not only excelled in rodeo but also pursued other interests and ventures outside the arena. He ran several rodeo schools for young riders and mentored many aspiring cowboys. He established his own brand of Western clothing and boots and licensed his name to various companies, such as Tony Lama and Gensco. His products were popular among rodeo fans and Western wear lovers alike
He also ventured into acting and appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as Junior Bonner, The Last Rebel, The Fall Guy, and Walker, Texas Ranger. He played himself or fictionalized versions of himself, often showcasing his rodeo skills and charisma. He also served as a commentator and analyst for rodeo events on various networks, such as ESPN and CBS Sports Network
He was an avid pilot and owned his own plane, which he used to travel to different rodeos and events. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family and friends. He was married twice and had four children from his first marriage
A Legend Who Left a Lasting Legacy
Larry Mahan retired from rodeo competition in 1977 and bought a ranch near Phoenix, Arizona. He continued to be involved in the rodeo industry until his death, supporting various causes and organizations related to the sport. He also maintained his Larry Mahan Hat Collection, which has been offered by the Milano Hat Company since 1984. The collection features a wide range of Western hats, each one carefully crafted with the quality and attention to detail that Larry Mahan was known for
He died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on May 7, 2023. His death was mourned by many people in the rodeo community and beyond, who remembered him as a legend, a hero, a mentor, a friend, and a gentleman. He left behind a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of cowboys and cowgirls to come
