2010 Dignitaries
Legendary Cowboy
Floyd Massey |
Floyd
was born August 28, 1922 in Mountain Dell which is now called Dry
Fork. He was the eighth child of eleven born to George and Elizabeth
Massey. He has five sisters and five brothers.
As a young boy, Floyd worked in the hay fields for different farmers
in the valley for fifty cents a day. When he was sixteen, he went
to Steamboat, Colorado to work on a ranch. From there he went to
Ogden, where he worked at Hill Air Force Base, until he enlisted
in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. Floyd served his country
for almost four years. After returning home from his time in the
service he worked in the oil field or at whatever job he could find.
Floyd had always wanted to have his own ranch and cattle. After meeting
his wife to be in February of 1048, they were married on May 20,
1949. They began their life together in Jensen n the family farm.
Floyd and Geneva have two children, Hal Massey and Linda Stubbs.
At this time the cattle herd consisted of fifteen head. After trying
to build up their herd for a few years they decided to get loan and
buy some registered Hereford heifers and raise bulls. By this time
they had purchased their land on the mountain. Back when they fist
purchased their mountain ground they didn’t have the means
of moving cattle as we do today. Floyd and Geneva always had plenty
of help from family and friends trailing the cows for five days to
and from the mountain. They cooked over the camp fire and slept under
the stars, creating many good memories along the way. Their two kids
thought it was as exciting as Christmas.
Floyd was instrumental in getting an all breed bull sale going in
the basin. As prices of cattle dropped and feed prices rose they
started a cross breeding program with sellers and later went to Black
Angus.
It seemed that farming and ranching often had to be supplemented.
Floyd worked out in the oil field in the winter for a few years.
Geneva decided it would be better to work than do chores, so she
went to work for Utah Saddle Co. putting saddles together. She also
worked for the U.S. Park Service and twenty years as a Special Ed.
Assistant for Uintah School District.
They have six grandchildren and six great grand children. Their family
has been a big help to them over the years. They have supported their
children and grandchildren in many sports such as High School Rodeo,
State Rodeo Club for Youth, Wrestling, Soccer, Hockey, 4-H house
club, and livestock shows.
Floyd and Geneva have always looked forward to rodeo time in Vernal,
and haven’t missed a rodeo in their married life, which is
almost 61 years. When the sport of team penning came to the basin,
Floyd, their daughter Linda, and her family were active for several
years winning several buckles.
They couldn’t think of a better way to spend a nice summer
evening than watching a good rodeo with family and friends. Floyd
is a true cowboy and exemplifies the role of Legendary Cowboy.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo
PO Box 1501, Vernal, Utah 84078
RODEO OFFICE: 435-790-1306
email: dinosaurrounduprodeo@yahoo.com
Web Address: www.vernalrodeo.com
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