Like so many from southern Colorado, Darrel Radacy moved to Oklahoma to chase his rodeo dreams.

Radacy was a team roper I met more than a decade ago because of rodeo. A graduate of Panhandle State University, he was part of the Massey family of western Oklahoma, marrying Jami in 1990. I saw the two of them often while I worked around the region covering rodeo for the largest newspaper in the state.

These days, though, I tend to keep up with the Masseys and Radacys because of Facebook. I’m thankful for that.

Darrel Radacy died last Friday, just a few days shy of his 49^th birthday, after suffering a heart attack. He leaves behind a loving wife and their beautiful daughter, Rally, who is carrying on a family tradition through sports. He also leaves behind other family members, a long list of rodeo family and dear friends.

A fund has been established in Rally’s name. If you’re interested, please donate to Legacy Bank, Drawer B, Binger, OK 73009, reference Radacy Trust.

I pray for comfort for Jami, Rally and all the others who were touched by Darrel Radacy. He was one of the good guys, and his place on Earth will be missed.