Robert Readytorumble Petersen had posted a few days ago about Leroy Cass (Mama Cass) having passed away on September 2nd. Leroy was also known as the leather cowboy. I first met him in 1993. I had just began doing outreach as Bakersfields AIDS Project. I had gone to a fundraiser held at what was then called Mannequins. He walked up behind me and I could someone coming up behind me wearing spurs and cowboy boots. Montoya, you Montoya? he asked. I turned and saw a cowboy in black leather chaps, wranglers, black leather vest and black cowboy hat. He looked sharp and offered to donate the black oak firewood for our deep-pit fundraiser we were having. He flicked a card at me that was black and gold with his name and number on it and it read Quarter Circle Ranch. Interesting person! Every year he donated firewood and always asked how things were going. He had some BEautiful property in the mountains he took us to see. Leroy would check in every now and again a few times a year to see how BAP was doing. He was diagnosed with cancer about 10 years ago or so and these past few years were tough. I read his death notice in the Californian... I called the mortuary and found out they had his service already. I left my name for his family or next of kin... I received a call from them. Leroy Cass passed away Sept. 2. He did not want a service and wanted to be cremated. There were only a few people who were able to view him prior to cremation. I hope to get a picture to place at Rickys Retreat to remember him. Mama Cass was 70 and knew a lot of people. Many of us would have attended his memorial service. In the meantime, Im certain there were some cowboy boot footsteps in Heaven with spurs a jingle jangling. The leather cowboy probably tipped his hat back enough to peer at whoever was at the entrance gates, Montoya, you Montoya? Id like to think Leroy is one of countless that will look for my brother Ricky upon arrival. One of countless who will hug my brother for me and let Montoya know his lil sis sent that hug Rickys way. Im certain Ricky will thank him for helping in whatever way possible Bakersfields AIDS Project to make a difference for the nearly quarter decade we have... Gonna miss you Leather Cowboy (Mama Cass). Thank you for the LOVE you showed BAP especially in our early years when not many did... BLESSINGS and LOVE, Audrey (Montoya) Chavez xoxooXOXOXoxox Dont be dismayed by good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends. Richard Bach
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 00:44:49 +0000
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