The Ontario Rodeo Association is saddened by the news that Tiedown Roper Jake Walker passed away late Thursday Evening, February 25th, 2010.  The Caledon East, Ontario Cowboy had just started his Pro Rodeo Career, though he was no stranger to the Timed-event Contestants.  Many of Ontario's Ropers remember back to his first season of Roping in 2007 in the Roping Association of Ontario.  That season, he claimed his first championship, when he was crowned the 2008 Roping Association of Ontario's Breakaway Roping Rookie of the Year.  His rookie season concluded with a top-finish at the Roping Association Finals in Rockwood, Ontario as well.

He was an inspiring cowboy, who in his short time in the Rodeo Arena, showed many of us that it isn't always about going for the "win", but trying one's hardest and enjoying every single minute of it. 

Prior to the tragic news, close friends and competitors had the following to say about the young Tiedown Roper:

"...against odds Jake tries his best at all rodeos, does not seem to get defeated when he struggles with the calves..." ~ Frank VanWesterop

“...Jake is an amazing competitor, he works hard and has been through so much and continues to smile!" ~ Paige Van Westerop

This evening, one of his coaches and good friends, Joe Alexander said the following, "Jake was a good friend and a good cowboy and will be sadly missed by all of us who loved and respected him."  

Lastly, on Facebook, another good friend of Jake's posted, "R.I.P Jake, miss you already.. you broke the barrier, went too soon. :( You will be missed by many, but will always remain in our hearts." ~ Briana Ewart

Those remarks are definitely echoed by the entire Rodeo Community here in Ontario.  We lost a great Cowboy this week, and we wish we could have the opportunity to thank Jake for the values that he displayed on the Arena Floor during the short time he was with us.

The ORA would like to extend their deepest condolences to the Walker Family.  

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