“So Sorry to Hear of This Loss”: Sports World Left Saddened as One of the Greatest Rodeo Cowboys Passes Away

Former American professional rodeo cowboy Larry Mahan, 79, passed away on May 7, 2023, after a three-year battle with bone marrow cancer. Mahan was born in Salem, Oregon, in 1943. At his peak, Mahan was an unstoppable force in the American rodeo circuit, winning the overall title in 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1973. For the years 1965 and 1967, Mahan also rode bulls to victory. The news of the rodeo legend’s death quickly spread since it was a tremendous loss for the sport.

Cowboy Proverbs announced the death of the rodeo icon on their Facebook page. The bull riding community rushed to the comments section to express their condolences to his loved ones.

The veteran cowboy’s career

Known as the “cowboy in the gray flannel suit” by “Time” magazine, Larry Mahan flourished in the competitive, commercial environment of contemporary rodeo. When it came to cowboy style, he was an innovator thanks to his signature western wear. On the professional circuit, Mahan was also one of the first pilots, rodeo instructors, and business card distributors. The cowboy was a very disciplined and steady opponent in the ring, in addition to having great flair, charisma, and business savvy. He won six all-around championships, including five in a row. Mahan had a prosperous business career after leaving the arena in 1977.

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He had such a successful career and body of work that he was elected into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979. Several accolades have been bestowed upon him for his efforts, and in 2010, he was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame as a Legend of ProRodeo. In 2019, however, it came out that the seasoned cowboy had been stricken with bone marrow cancer. He hid his condition from his many followers at first but subsequently spoke publicly about it. According to reports, the leukemia-causing cancer was detected early. His life was also going well, but his health started to decline later. The cowboy was given the best care possible, including hospitalization and healthcare, but he passed away on May 7, 2023.

The bull riding community united

The news of the renowned cowboy’s death has devastated the bull riding community. Many of Mahan’s many admirers flocked to the Facebook comments area after Cowboy Proverbs shared this.

Among all the condolences, this comment read, “So sorry to hear of this loss! He was such a great man. Prayers for his family and friends. RIP Legend.” Fans have seen the cowboy when he was a young guy, as one comment read, “I remember him making a name for himself in the 70’s. He was a master of his trade and a good person.”

This fan got nostalgic, as they say, “I love him. I went to his Bull riding school at Mesquite Arena in 1973. He was a customer at my Dad’s Mobil station at Preston/Forest in Dallas. He gave me a bull riding rope and gear for my Senior Graduation present. I still have and cherish them. He is a great man.” This fan recalls a heroic activity of the cowboy as they say, “I met him at a Long Beach rodeo. He was a great rider. Prayers go out to him. Thanks to him for coming to a young girl rescue. I will never forget him.”

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Larry Mahan was a popular figure for his achievements outside of the rodeo arena as well. Let the mighty cowboy ride out into the sunset in peace.