A great rodeo man has been called to his heavenly home. Rodeo legend Bill Martinelli is no doubt sitting around a campfire swapping stories once again with his bronc riding buddies! Bill was called home while sleeping peacefully. He was surrounded by his loving family. Although Bill dearly loved rodeo, his greatest loves were his family, each one of his children and grandchildren held their own special place in his heart. Bill reserved his deepest love for the woman who had won this rodeo man’s heart so long ago, the lovely dark haired beauty, Kay. Kay loved her rodeo cowboy with all her heart. Always his biggest supporter, Kay was at his side when this rodeo legend was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2014. Bill was well known throughout the rodeo world, he had rodeo’d with many of the greats throughout his rodeo journey. Many times the cowboys would gather after a rodeo around a campfire. Their rodeo day done, they would share a dinner and listen as this great storyteller would share story after story. Kay would remember that all around the campfire, including herself, were so enchanted with Bill’s stories that they hung on every word. The beautiful Ms. Kay and her handsome rodeo man would enjoy a lifetime of close friendships with many becoming like their own family. Tragically the night after Bill was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, he suffered a stroke in his hotel room. Bill would never speak again. This amazing man, whose talent for riding broncs and telling heartfelt stories will be remembered by all those who loved him so much. I will always be inspired by the tremendous devotion Bill and Kay reserved for each other. Bill has left an amazing legacy in his children and grandchildren. May God look over his family and friends and comfort each of them. God bless Bill’s hometown and all those who loved him so much in his beloved Knights Ferry.

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As always you may reach me at winniemullins51@gmail.com. Until next time, “Happy Trails to a Great Rodeo Man”!