One Spring afternoon while wetting hooks in the Rio Grande, Buck got this crazy idea he was gonna rodeo to the North and play all the way back to Texas. Houston to Calgary, Canada. With stops in San Antonio, Cowtown, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City, Omaha, Denver, Cheyenne, Billings and some how fit a couple of stops in the Dakotas. How would I like to tag along? Welp, I'm not much of a real cowboy, let alone rodeo material. I can half ass the roping, riding and wrangling at times. Buck was the read deal, saddlle bronc was his specialty. I could help work the chutes as far as Denver, all the free-time I had available. It all sounded so adventuresome and you can bet where ever Buck was there was a good-time around the corner.
Let me tell ya a little bit about Buck. Not sure when or where we meet, not sure where he went. I suspect he is some where South of the border, maybe even South America. Where ever machismo is still acceptable. On numerous occasions he has said America is becoming to serious and sissified. Irish American with a sprinkling of Cheyenne blood, says thats why he is so good with horses.
Not one to talk much about himself, and we know its not polite to ask questions of a personal nature. He was beloved in the community, always ready to lend a hand, a quick shit eat'n grin and a great sense of humor. He couldn't sing worth a damn, but that never stopped him when the mood struck him he would let it out loud and proud. He has butchered more song than a slaughterhouse has beef. Bless the knuckle-head.
I would describe Buck Del Rio as, sorta like; Pecos Bill for the super feats of courage and prowess, and raised by a pack of coyotes. (No disrespect to his Mother). With characteristics of "Bret Maverick", "arguably TV's first anti-hero?. Charisma and charm for the ladies. Almost impossible to beat him in any sort of fight and he liked to flimflam those that deserved it. Scrupulously honest to a fault. And lastly, Lee Marvin movie characters. In "Paint Your Wagon", (who knew Lee could sing) "Cat Ballou" both characters, (good & evil) and "Pocket Money". Yep, if you can imagine one man like all these male figures, then you know what Buck Del Rio is all about.
Debbie and I were dancing, when all hell breaks loose on the floor I stole a farewell kiss in the scuffle. "I gotta get girl", ( I didn't know she was married ). It was like one those "old west movies" the cowboys fighting just for the fun of it. Bottles and chairs a flying every which way. Buck and I was think'n, since we have no medical coverage, plus we didn't know where the Emergency Room was. "Lets exit stage left"
This was our last night in Denver, "Best of Luck Buck on the rest of the rodeo run". Adios Mi Amigo - I will be South-bound out of Denver before Dawn. Running for the Red River, I will feel better once I cross the Cimarron looking at the Mighty Red River, longing to cross and get my toes in the Frio. As I drove away I heard the big Buck Del Rio break into song, "Boogie back to Texas" - God Bless All Ya'll... The only times I liked the way he sang was when I was driving away. (grn) . The best of luck to Buck!
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You may be interested in this Original painting for yourself or a friend. The paintings of the "Faces from the Places" series are very collectable and range in price from $500.00 to $950.00. These prices are a 50% savings over a traditional Gallery acquisition. Shoot me an E-mail for availability at; juancorbett@gmail.com - In the subject line please include the name of the painting or the story line that you're interested in. I try to reply within 24 hours, Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays. Hope to hear from ya.
Thanks, ~ Juan.
