Clifford Clinton “CR” Roberts passed away on May 6, 2020 in Hermiston at the age of 90.
He was born on June 21, 1929 in Rapid City, S.D. to Clifford and Edna Roberts.
From an early age, Clint learned what hard work was on his family’s ranch in Hulett, Wyo. This was a trait he passed to his children and carried on his whole life. At the age of 14, Clint became a thoroughbred horse racing jockey and rode his father’s horses at fairs and race meets around the country. When he became too big to ride, his rodeo career began. Clint won the Northwest Regional Collegiate Championship in saddle bronc riding, the amateur bronc riding at the Cheyenne Frontier Days, as well as countless other prestigious rodeo wins.
After his bronc riding career was over, he began team roping and like everything he did, he put his heart and soul into it. His proudest win was at age 76. He won the ACTRA Team Roping World Championship in Reno, Nev. He loved roping, but especially enjoyed watching his son and grandson rope. The memories and friendships he made will always be treasured.
At the age of 21, Clint was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. and spent a considerable amount of time in Japan. Following his military service, Clint returned to Lewiston, Idaho and married the love of his life, Patricia Webb in 1953. They purchased a ranch in Lapwai, Idaho and made this their permanent home.
Clint attended the University of Idaho, but was a horseshoer by trade. He was so successful in his trade that he was sought after by nearly everyone in the Lewis-Clark Valley and beyond. There are legendary stories told of a day in Palouse, Wash. when Clint shod over 20 head of horses in one day. People
needed Clint’s help, and this is a perfect example of the type of person he was. He would do anything for anyone.
In 1970, Clint returned to the thoroughbred horse racing industry. He trained at many race tracks throughout the country including, Playfair, Longacres, Yakima Meadows, Bay Meadows and Golden Gate Fields. He won 1,301 races and five leading trainer awards in those years. The racetrack brought him so much joy and many of his most meaningful friendships.
Clint and Pat retired in 1999 at their ranch in Lapwai, Idaho. Pat passed away in 2003 and Clint resided there until June 2019, when he moved to Stanfield to live with his son and daughter-in-law. The past few months he lived at Sun Terrace in Hermiston.
Clint was a huge Gonzaga basketball fan, loved spending time with his family, and enjoyed eating home-cooked meals. He loved to play pinochle and spending time together telling stories. He had many nicknames, including Warrior, Papa and CR.
Clint is survived by his children, Tom Roberts (Linda), Stanfield, Tracy Peery (Chuck), Versailles, Ky., Tammi Pulley, Lapwai, Idaho and Mark Pulley; five grandchildren, B.J. Roberts (Stacie), Hermiston, Brandy Carter (John), Lake Wylie, S.C., Lindsey Wheeler (Seth), Big Fork, Mont., Dustin Pulley (Morgan), St. Maries, Idaho, and Danielle Wynn (Colton), St. Maries, Idaho; two step grandchildren, Tyler Hand (Tria), Malott, Wash. and Jamie Marts (Aaron), Adrian; and 11 great grandchildren.
Clint was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; both of his siblings, Cleve and Kelly; as well as his grandson, Eric.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
Please share memories of CR with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
