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News & Notes From the Rodeo Trail, May 30

Steve Fechser, the grandson of Benny Binion, who was involved in the rodeo business in many different aspects for decades, passed away May 15 in Las Vegas. He was 68.

Fechser worked at the Horseshoe for years in Las Vegas, and then he went to work for ProRodeo Hall of Fame stock contractor Mike Cervi for years and he also worked with Michael Gaughan at the Gold Coast and South Point Hotel in Las Vegas.

“Steve was family to us,” Binion Cervi said. “He was the most loyal friend anybody could have. If you and he connected he was loyal to the core. He was a character out of a movie.”

Binion said it wasn’t hard to find Fechser at events because of his distinct voice.

“He had this froggy voice that you could pick out of a crowd,” Cervi said. “He had the most unique voice you ever heard. Cowboys loved him because he was so generous and loyal to people. Whenever you went with Steve, he took care of anybody and everybody. He wasn’t above or below anybody.”

Bobby Fechser, Steve’s younger brother, had this to say about Steve.

“He was a cowboy his whole life,” Bobby said. “We used to spend our summers in Montana on the ranch from the time Steve was 5 years old until he was in his 30s. He broke horses and he could rope.”

There was one photo that turned up showing Steve, who was working for the Gold Coast at the time, doing a great job running the chutes and turning bulls back for Mike Cervi at RodeoHouston in 1998.

Steve also was part of getting the NFR go-round buckle ceremony moved to the Gold Coast. He also helped find entertainers like singer Robert Earl Keen for the go-round events.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. (PT), June 20 at St. Thomas More Catholic Community, 130 N. Pecos Rd., Henderson, Nev. Visitation is at 9 a.m.

Donations can be made in Steve’s name to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.

Courtesy of PRCA

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