Acowboy’s work is never done when the actual job is done, because everyone elses’ work comes next and that’s exactly how the late Vernon Souza Jr. felt, a true cowboy in his own right. On September 30, 1994, a much
Acowboy’s work is never done when the actual job is done, because everyone elses’ work comes next and that’s exactly how the late Vernon Souza Jr. felt, a true cowboy in his own right.
On September 30, 1994, a much loved son, father, brother, uncle, friend, and cowboy passed away.
“Jr.” was a person who helped everyone, especially children. They looked up to him and thought he was a hero.
His favorite phrase was, “No worry brah, I get ‘em.” He shared his love, patience, understanding, and talent with everyone.
To cowboys, he gave laughter, compassion, time, and energy. Rodeo and just being a great cowboy was his way of life. On October 2, over a thousand cowboys gathered together at Patrick Kelekoma’s Waipa Ranch Arena to celebrate Vernon Souza Jr.’s 10th Anniversary with an all day of roping, eating, and just having a beautiful time of friendly competition vying for a $1,300 saddle sponsored by his dad, Vernon Souza Sr., and buckles for each event. Cowboys came from around the state just for this special day, honoring one of Kaua‘i’s best cowboys.
The day started with a Hawaiian prayer by Rev. Wayne Vidinha of Ke Akua Mana Church, a welcome and thank you speech by Vernon Souza Sr. and then the roping began.
Over 400 dally teams competed in the open roping, #5 roping, 1 over 50 mixed roping, double mugging, and for the keiki’s, goat scrambling.
Tents were set up for free raffle tickets.
The prizes included 45 quart Igloo chest coolers, 50 bags of rice, and the grand prize, a 27 inch color television.
Gift bags for all the children and cowboy hats to all who were in the goat scrambling events.
But before the roping began, “Snow,” Vernon Souza Jr.’s horse, lei’d with 20 strands of fresh maile lei around the saddle horn was let out of the roping box following its steer.
The maile leis were gathered from the mountains of Kokee by “Jr.’s” dad, Vernon Sr.
After the riderless “Snow” hazed his steer down the arena, nephew Ashley Souza mounted him and all the cowboys entered the arena and rode behind while the song, “Flying with Angels,” was sung.
The barbeque grills were lit, the food warmers started warming and the lavish buffet was setup after the roping.
Prizes were given away and the saddle was presented to the winner, and the buckles were presented to all the event winners and pictures were taken. Vernon Jr.’s sister, Roxanne Reis was also surprised with a huge birthday cake and lei for it was her birthday too.
The many thanks goes to the following friends and sponsors: Pat Sr., Pat Jr., Judy Kelekoma, Jerry Nakasone, Betty Nakamoto, Jon and Roxanne Reis and family, Allen and Vanessa Duterte, Herbert and Katherine Louis, George and Jason Langtad, Ibaan Table Rentals, Darryl Kaneshiro, Kahea and Lyn White, Stuart Wellington, Brodie and Lori Medeiros, Eugemar Manibog, Richard Brun, Adam and Alana Brun, Bob and Ross Farias and family, Tom Runyan (Tom’s Goats), Jeff and Marcia Hanwright and family, Leland Nishek, Mackey Andrade, Del’s Farm and Feed (Jan), Christy and Tanya Gorden, Lani Girl, Shanlynn Nagamine and family, Tasha Swacker and family, James Rapozo and family, Ashley Souza and family. Special thanks goes to the chute crew, the catch pen crew, and the announcer, Lyn White. Happy trails, “Jr.”
