2019 Grand Marshal DAN SEVERANCE!

Dan received his official Grand Marshal jacket and buckle – be looking for Dan out and about town as he promotes the rodeo and races!

Dan was born May 31, 1944, to Ned and Barbara Severance. Dan and his two brothers, Terry and Joe were all raised on the Severance Ranch just outside of Paulina, OR. Dan’s grandparents Harry and Eva Severance homesteaded on the South Fork of the Crooked River.
Dan grew up on the Camp Creek Ranch. According to Barbara, Dan was a dependable child. “He would get up in the mornings and go milk the cow, even when it was Terry’s job.” Dan attended Paulina Elementary School through the eighth grade. Barbara and the three boys moved to Prineville during their high school years, while Ned stayed on the Ranch and took care of things. While in High School Dan played football, wrestled and met his future wife Carolyn Still. Dan remembers graduation because it was on his birthday, May 31, 1962. After graduation Dan went to work on the family ranch and married Carolyn, June 6, 1964. After the wedding his folks moved from the Camp Creek house to the Myers place so the newlyweds could move in. He recalls the Christmas Flood of 1964 when all the bridges to Paulina and Prineville were washed out. They had no electricity for a week. Dinner was cooked on a little trash burner and Christmas was by candle light. Another memory that sticks in his mind is one winter the calves that were being born froze to death when they hit the ground. The cows were moved to a more protected area and fires were built at night to try and save as many calves as possible. It was a rough winter and many calves were lost.
In 1966 Dan and Carolyn’s daughter Coleen was born and they moved to the old Twin Buttes house, which has since burned down. In 1968 they moved back to the Camp Creek house where Travis was born. Six years later to everyone’s surprise Justin was born and Dan’s family was complete. Dan and Carolyn tore down the old Myers house and built a new home where they lived until the ranch sold.
Dan enjoyed Team Roping, so he built and arena. Friends from the upper country and all over would come to rope. Rumor has it that a great time was had by all. During the winter Dan, family, and friends (Weavers, Schnabeles, Grahams and Bernards) enjoyed snowmobiling in the Maury Mountains and Snow Mountain. Dan even raced one a year in Yellowstone Park. With the help of his cousin Gary Gumpert he took third in the C Class. Gary had the gas burning snowmobile so “souped up” that it beat all but two of the alcohol burning snowmobiles. We all have a pretty good idea what Dan and Gary were “souped up” on. According to Dan, “Fill me up on Annie Greensprings and I can win almost anything.” Dan also enjoys Deer and Elk hunting. It gives him a chance to spend time with family and friends and reminisce about old times.
After Coleen completed the eighth grade at Paulina Elementary School, Carolyn and the kids moved to Prineville to continue their education. Dan stayed back at the ranch and took care of things on the home front. He, however, made frequent trips to town to attend many sporting events.
In 1990 the Severance Ranch sold. Dan and his family moved to town. It was an adjustment for everyone. He went to work as the Greens Superintendent at the Prineville Golf and Country Club for six years. Dan is still an avid golfer and likes to play in as many tournaments as possible. Dan and his son Justin went into the construction business for several years. They then decided in 2000 to buy Fair Feed and Supply. Dan continued to own and operate the feed store until selling and retiring in May of 2018.
Dan and Carolyn lived on 120 acres where they raised a small herd of cattle. Dan lived there until Carolyn passed away in 2013. He has since moved back to a smaller place on Johnson Creek Rd., but still manages to have a few cattle around and a couple of horses to keep him busy. Dan has nine grandchildren, Trent, Shayna, Courtney, Danni, Kimmer, Austin, Bailey, Tristen, and Ahlee. Dan also has one great granddaughter, Milah who lives with her mom Danni and Aunt Kimmer in Arizona. He also has a great Grandson (due May 25, 2019) Slade will live in Texas with his mom and dad, Courtney and Shane.
Dan was a member of the Paulina Rodeo Board, serving as Secretary/Treasurer and President over many years. After moving to Prineville, he later became a Director on the Crooked River Roundup Board. He served on the board for 14 years. Retiring from the board in 2018.
Dan says, “It is such an honor to be chosen as the 2019 Crooked River Roundup Grand Marshal.” If you see him at the Rodeo or the Races, stop, shake his hand, and say “Hi”. He will gladly visit with you and share a wonderful story or two.