We dedicate Atlantic Stampede '96 to Bob Alexander, 58, owner of Pro Rodeo Productions, who passed away on Jan. 16, 1996. For without Bob, there might not be an Atlantic Stampede.

Bob had faith in ASGRA before it had produced its first rodeo. He took a liking to us and helped us to understand the sport and lifestyle we call rodeo. Bob loved rodeo animals and he loved rodeo competitors. He taught us to love our sport and to take care of each other behind the chutes and in the arena. He was a friend, supporter, instructor for our roughstock schools, our stock contractor for four rodeos and a mentor to many of us.

When we first met Bob, it was a snowy day in April 1992 at our first chute dogging and steer riding rodeo school. Most of us were new to rodeo and Bob was certainly new to "gay" rodeo. But Bob never even considered going easy on us. He had a way of challenging us, whether it was with an instructive word or frustrated scowl. Our worst fear was that he might take a swat at the seat of our pants with a cane that was, to us, his trademark. Of course he didn't. But he knew the threat would come in handy.

The gay part of us was no challenge for Bob. Though he probably saw us as somewhat queer, he realized that h1s first duty was to make us all into cowboys, no matter what it took. Bob was not one to turn away from a struggle. After all, he was a cowboy too.

For more than three decades, Bob participated in all aspects of rodeo. He was always dedicated to giving his best as a performer and as a rodeo producer. He worked as a pickup man and bullt1ghter in his younger days. Contestants throughout the industry also considered Bob an outstanding rodeo Judge. "Rodeo was his life" says Debbie Alexander, his wife.

Combining his arena experience, business knowledge and comprehension of sports marketing, Bob merged together one of the top family entertainment touring attractions 1n the nation. His ab1llty to recognize top quality livestock and outstanding talent made his rodeos truly among the best. The board of directors of the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) this past summer named Bob recipient of the Directors Appreciation Award for h1s support of ASGRA.

We'll miss you Bob, but we'll never forget you. For as long as we have rodeo, you'll always be there w1th us, pushing us for that next competition, trying to make us better than we ever thought we could be, telling us to take care of ourselves, take care of our animals. and take care of each other.

You will be a part of every Atlantic Stampede.

ASGRA is pleased to honor as Grand Marshal of this year's rodeo, charter member 42, Gary Robinson.

Gary was ASGRA"s first elected secretary and has run for a vanety of board positions. He has served on nearly every ASGRA committee, inducting bylaws,elections, rodeo events and fundrais1ng. He's been involved w1th every Atlantic Stampede as a competitor and volunteer, serving as volunteer coord1nator in 1994 and grand entry coordinator in 1995. He also teaches country western dance at Remingtons.

In 1995, Gary was named Public Relations Spokesperson for the International Gay Rodeo Assooat1on {IGRA). In that role he has been instrumental in developing relationships between IGRA and the Anmal Welfare Council and Pro Rodeo, as well as working extensively with the national med1a.

Gary owns a 12-year-old gelding named Bismarck. He says there's not one part of rodeo he favors but he really likes "getting dirty and partlopating."

An International specialist w1th the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Gary grew up "out west" in Nevada, California and Utah. Those experiences have been the subject of some of Gary's writing published in Roundup magazine. As an adult he had dreamed of be1ng involved in rodeo and ASGRA has helped him realize those dreams.

His illness this past summer has slowed him down. We miss your hard work and dedication to ASGRA. We salute you. Gary, and wish you well!

Roundup Magizine