  | Volume XIV, Issue 2 February 2005 | Last update Jan 21, 2020 |
In Memoriam
Guys and Gals:
On the morning of January 6th, I found myself having to acknowledge the sudden death of Billy Collison. As I penned the announcement that was posted to the website, I found myself trying to gauge the impact this loss would have on ASGRA and on our community. Billy's contributions to the Association, to the community and to his numerous friends were simply beyond count. His sincerity, dedication and determination, his cheerful and loving spirit, his energy, generosity and kindness were legendary. He was the quintessential optimist, a steadfast friend who radiated joy, compassion and gentleness. Billy never met a stranger and always left those he met better and happier. I have never met anyone as selfless in his giving or as unstinting in his support. He was truly one of a kind. ASGRA rightly honored him in 2000 with the Golden Lariat, its highest award for service. Billy will be missed by those whose lives he touched; lives blessed and made better by his friendship and through his fellowship. I ask you to remember Billy, his partner Chris, and the Collison and Brush families as they mourn his loss. This Association, and the IGRA family, mourn his passing as well and are thankful for the gift of his loyalty, energy, dedication and fellowship. There is no cure for birth or death except to try to enjoy the interval. George Santayana Guys and Gals:
ASGRA rightly honored him in 2000 with the Golden Lariat, its highest award for service. Billy will be missed by those whose lives he touched; lives blessed and made better by his friendship and through his fellowship. I ask you to remember Billy, his partner Chris, and the Collison and Brush families as they mourn his loss. This Association, and the IGRA family, mourn his passing as well and are thankful for the gift of his loyalty, energy, dedication and fellowship. 20 Years of Gay Rodeo in Arizona
At convention this past year, a new Member Association joined the ranks of IGRA. Gateway Gay Rodeo Association (GWGRA) from the St. Louis area was out in force with about 15 members in the stands, the arena and behind the chutes. Among the events this weekend was the AGRA Royalty contest. They had 2 contestants for Miss AGRA and 1 for Mr. AGRA. With the adoption of the MsTer (male impersonator) category at convention, AGRA appointed a MsTer to complete their team. Congratulations to the new AGRA Royalty Team, Mr. Gary Rushton, Miss Novia Gina, Miss 1st Runner Up Nicholette Larson and MsTer Panda Bear Champion. One of the risks with rodeo is injuries. While none were life threatening, they were nonetheless painful. Happy healing to all those that were injured at either the rodeo school or during the rodeo. Congratulations to all the competitors, the 2005 AGRA Royalty Team and to the Arizona Gay Rodeo Association for a very successful rodeo. Mike S., VP
ASGRA trail rides are the first Sunday of the month at 11:00am!
Upcoming 2005 IGRA Rodeos Cowtown Rodeo 2005, TGRA, Fort Worth, TX, March 4-6, 2005 IGRA University February 18-20, 2005
Are you a rodeo competitor? Do you like to travel to other rodeos? Well, have we got something for you! Almost 2 years ago, a Yahoo Group was created as a place where ASGRA members could connect to find teammates and/or roommates at IGRA rodeos around the country, convention and University. Start finding teammates now for the 2005 rodeo season! Membership is free. To join, send an email to ASGRA_. Have you moved, changed your email address or any other information? Don't forget to keep us informed of your changes so we can do our part to make sure you receive all the information on your association. Email with all your changes. Mike S., ASGRA VP BHT
ASGRA members,
On March 19, 2005 starting at 7pm the ASGRA royalty team will be hosting a spaghetti dinner at the Oddfellows temple in Falls Church, VA. All proceeds will benefit The Adventist Development and Relief Agency International tsunami relief fund. Cost is $12.50 a plate with Salad, garlic bread, lasagna or spaghetti, meatballs, sausage & peppers and a variety of delicious desserts. Contact any ASGRA royalty member with questions. ASGRA Calendar of Events
February 2005
2005 ASGRA Meeting Schedule A Royal Congratulations
Happy Birthday to all of you! IGRA Calendar 2005
IGRA University AA Conf Center; Fort Worth, TX February 18-20
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On the morning of January 6th, I found myself having to acknowledge the sudden death of Billy Collison. As I penned the announcement that was posted to the website, I found myself trying to gauge the impact this loss would have on ASGRA and on our community. Billy's contributions to the Association, to the community and to his numerous friends were simply beyond count. His sincerity, dedication and determination, his cheerful and loving spirit, his energy, generosity and kindness were legendary. He was the quintessential optimist, a steadfast friend who radiated joy, compassion and gentleness. Billy never met a stranger and always left those he met better and happier. I have never met anyone as selfless in his giving or as unstinting in his support. He was truly one of a kind.
The 2005 IGRA rodeo season began with a bang over the weekend January 15-16 with the 20th Anniversary of the Road Runner Regional Rodeo in Phoenix. AGRA started its rodeo weekend off with a very successful rodeo school. Over 60 competitors came out to learn the ropes or hone their skills before they got in the arena for competition, including several ASGRA members Rodeo events began in the arena bright and early Saturday morning. During the course of the two-day event, they had 179 contestants, gate sales of over 3,000 people, 30 vendors and entertainers from all over the country.
The official call for ASGRA Bylaws and Standing Rules changes will be out shortly. Our bylaws and standing rules govern how we operate as an organization. I would like to invite all of you to take a look through our bylaws and standing rules to see if there are things you may want to see changed in how we operate. You can find them at http://asgra.org/membership/index.htm. In the second section of that page you will find the links for the Bylaws page and the Standing Rules page. When the official call comes out, you will be instructed who to contact with your suggestions, where to send them, the deadline for submissions, etc. Please keep an eye on your mail for this important announcement.
Regardless of the weather, ASGRA's monthly trail rides are held at Piscataway Ranch in Clinton, MD at 11:00 am on the following days:
It's time again for IGRA University. This year it is being held in Dallas, TX at the American Airlines Training & Conference Center. Between now and February 12, 2005, registration is $55. After February 12, it goes up to $70. Housing is available at the Conference Center for $75 a night. For more information on University, contact Karroll Parker at: 817-909-5997 or . To reserve your room, call the Conference Center directly at 817-777-6464.
BHT funds groups by collecting money for the Combined Federal Campaign/United Way (#8288) - groups like ASGRA that designate and donate money from its events. BHT also sponsors charitable and social events of its own. If you are interested in knowing more or getting involved with BHT, please contact ASGRA rep Bruce Forchheimer at . Want more info? 
from the 2005 ASGRA Royalty Team to the following ASGRA members who will celebrate birthdays in February:
Great Plains Rodeo Oklahoma City, OK May 27-29