In Loving Memory Of Gary Van Der Geest
December 17, 1947 ~ November 1, 2000
Gary Joe Van Der Geest, 52 of Merrill, WI passed away unexpectedly Wednesday evening, November 1, 2000 at his office on the family dairy farm.
Words cannot express how much Gary loved his work at the family's 3,000 cow Dairy, working with horses and most of all, spending time with his family whom he dearly loved.
Gary's dreams were many, however he spent his spare time striving to enrich and develop the Merrill Rider's Club as well as Lincoln County Rodeo Days, predecessor to the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo. He became actively involved in promoting Lincoln County Rodeo Days since it's beginning in 1990. Gary has served as long time President of both the Lincoln County Rodeo Association, Inc., as well as the Merrill Rider's Club. He believed that horse related events were something that brought families together. "It makes kids responsible," he would often say. In addition, he had a passion for the horses, shows and rodeos. Gary often said, "Are we having fun yet? Fun, that is what life is all about."
No one will ever be able to take his place, but all of us will strive to carry on his Rodeo dreams. There will be two "high money earning" trophy saddles awarded to the contestants. One is donated by the Gary Van Der Geest Family and the other by the Lincoln County Rodeo Association, Inc.
We would like to welcome each and every one of you today to the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo and ask that you please remember, if only for a moment that yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is truly a gift. Please "have fun" and enjoy your time at the Rodeo.
