Since the Utah Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum was established in 2011 the goal was to honor those individuals who had contributed to the Western life style within Utah. Since that time our knowledge has expanded, and we realized there were a number of individuals who have made significant contributions to cowboy way of life, many of whom have been deceased for years.
Upon discussion within the committee, it was determined to have an Emeritus category, where some of these individuals could be honored for their impact on what has been referred to as the Western Way of Life determination, hard work, honesty and development not only related to the sport of rodeo, but also for the ranchers and others who played a considerable role on progress within the state.
They will receive an Emeritus Certificate of Honor, and their names will be engraved on a plaque, which will be placed within the museum.
2017 Emeritus Honoree:
- Preston Nutter – Utah Cattle Baron, 1850-1936
2016 Emeritus Honorees:
- The Bascom Brothers Though their western influence was most prominent in Canada, the Bronc Bustin Bascom Boys were born in Utah, and although the family moved to Canada when they were young, they did much to influence the sport of rodeo and promote the cowboy culture not only in Canada, but in Utah and other states as well. The father of the four boys was John W. Bascom, born 1869. He lived in Uintah County, Utah as a young man where he became a rancher and a lawman. He served as a deputy Sheriff chasing members of the Wild Bunch. He took his family to Canada in 1914. It was there his four sons started their illustrious rodeo careers.
- Raymond Tommy Bascom, born 1901: A rodeo champion who participated in all competitive categories; was a member of the rodeo historical society; a movie actor; and an inductee of the Sports Hall of Fame.
- Melvin High Pockets Bascom, born 1903: International rodeo contestant in all facets of rodeo; rodeo committeeman; rodeo producer; stock contractor; rancher; western movie actor; rodeo historical society members; Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
- Earl W. Bascom, born 1906: A champion, inventor and artist; already inducted into the Utah Cowboy Hall of Fame and others as well.
- Weldon Preacher Bascom, born 1912: A rodeo champion who participated in all competitive categories; was a champion; a rodeo producer and stock contractor; rodeo announcer; rodeo newspaper reporter, and inductee to the Sports Hall of Fame.
- Charles Redd He operated one of the larger ranching operations in Southeastern Utah, watching over herds of sheep and cattle, as well as the lambing, calving and shearing operations. Over the years, with hard work, frugality and wise investment, he improved the quality of his herds and expanded into western Colorado. Among a few of his involvements, he helped organize and then presided over the National Wool Marketing Association, and served three terms in the Utah Legislature. He also established the Lemuel H. Redd Chair in Western History and the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies at Brigham Young University.
- John Albert Scorup A pioneer Utah rancher who ran one of the largest cattle operations in the nation, with livestock ranging over much of Southern Utah.
