Ron Jesser

Inducted 2008

It happened in Reno - 1982. A syndicated photographer snapped this picture, after Ron Jesser had just been bucked off his bronc. But his infectious smile remained in good times and in the bad. This picture was eventually printed in 56 newspapers nationwide and earned him the title of "The most photographed gay cowboy in the USA." Many of today's finalists remember his encouragement as he helped tie them down for their events.

Ron was one of the Fathers of Gay Rodeo. He was instrumental in forming the original framework of IGRA and in the development of the first IGRA Rodeo Rules. He was a contestant who also worked behind the scenes to expand and solidify IGRA. As a contestant he embodied the true cowboy spirit -- he helped and trained other contestants and kept his infectious smile in good times and bad.

Ron succumbed to AIDS in October 1986. Subsequently, the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association established the Ron Jesser Memorial Award for dedication and sportsmanship, which is given yearly at the Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo. In addition, Denver has the Ron Jesser House, which is a temporary hospice for AIDS patients. The Colorado AIDS Project uses Ron's determination to live as an inspiration in their counseling program.

Truly, we can all be proud of Ron's life and dedication to IGRA and he is a worthy addition to the IGRA Hall of Fame.