r.n.reed passing

I was very sorry to see the passing of Steer Planet member r.n.reed, Gary Kaper. I met Gary years ago and always admired his breeding program and appreciated his freindship. He had the Wolf Ridge Shorthorn herd in Illinois and bred bulls such as Kaper 4508 and Wolf Ridge Double Brute.

https://www.knappfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Gary-Kaper/?fbclid=IwAR0SEhYugk4_qSg7hJbMDStNIhnQivq1S9It6xgsifoHcjO3hdxjcDtcsjk

Man thats bad news I had no idea that there was anything amiss What a good guy Im sending flowers from me and his friends on STEER PLANET Actually I sent 5 memorial trees From me and everyone-kind of an off the wall remembrance-but if any get planted and live: they will be his memory-like his cattle  Steer Planet O0

Gary was a special person.  His extensive knowledge of Shorthorns, from Milking to Beef, was phenomenal.  Over the years he was a great help to me in answering my questions and giving me advice.  I can never repay the kindness he showed me.  The Shorthorn industry has lost both a remarkable Shorthorn breeder and a remarkable man.  I will miss him. 

Gary was a man of principle and the utmost integrity.  It was a privilege to visit the Kaper family and to have them tour the Homeplace.  At his farm we saw the highly impressive Kaper 4508 and Frontline.  His breeding program was both scientific and artistic.  Gary's knowledge of pedigrees was impressive, and he used extensive inbreeding in the Wolf Ridge herd.  Gary had just sold several females to Lee Miller at the time of our visit.  Did Lee Miller of Paint Valley Farms purchase the rest of Gary's herd not so long ago?

I believe his last 5 replacement heifers were offered in their '21 sale. I bid on 3 of the 5 and regret not just buying one of them and ignoring the price tag. I really hope the buyers knew what they bought.

This is indeed sad news.

Is there someone that will take the reins and continue the program?

beebe said:

Is there someone that will take the reins and continue the program?

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In The Maternal Event sale catalog it is mentioned in the footnote of Lot 29 that Paint Valley had taken the opportunity last summer to purchase the remainder of of Gary's herd.

Okotoks said:

beebe said:

Is there someone that will take the reins and continue the program?

Click to expand...

In The Maternal Event sale catalog it is mentioned in the footnote of Lot 29 that Paint Valley had taken the opportunity last summer to purchase the remainder of of Gary's herd.

Click to expand...

Good hopefully they will contribute in the future.  Thank you.

IM sure they will-And thats a pretty good place for his cattle to go A documented performance herd Like Lovings who bought one of his best looking bulls  O0

Damn. Didn't he have the Maxi Brute semen? Probably in ampules.

I have had several great visits with Gary over the years via the phone and email, and tried to buy a bull from him a few years ago. He wanted to keep the bull to use himself so he wouldn't even price him to me.  I have drove past his farm several times over the years when delivering cattle through that area. I stopped in once but no one was home. Now I am wishing I had stopped in a few more times. He was a great Shorthorn breeder who did not follow the crowd and knew what he wanted. He is gone far too soon.

Terrible news.  I would have thought the front cover was more fitting -at least a builder of the breed centerfold- but I was happy to see some recognition for him nonetheless in the Shorthorn country magazine after his passing.  In a few short years the breed has seen the loss of three genuine master breeders.  Rob sneed, Keith lauer, and now Gary Kaper. Not too many left.  Coming into the breed, all three of these men were giants in my mind and I am grateful to have incorporated cattle from each of them.

I met Gary first on a shorthorn university tour (that the sorry Asa doesn’t even do anymore) and I will remember that day always.  I was star struck the whole day. Listening to kapers account of where he started and his progression through time with shorthorns . He couldn’t hold back his tears of reverence when talking about the recent passing of Mary bell Cooksley.  The principled passion he had for Shorthorns and cattle breeding in general was undeniable and something everyone should aspire to. Impossible to have walked away that day without having a steepened respect for Mr. Kaper.  Beautiful place he had and a pasture full of fine shorthorns grazing just primo pastures. He ribbed me good that day (and for years after) after asking me which of his cows I liked the best.    I gazed across what had to be close to 100 cows and pointed to a beautiful dark even Roan.  Sitting on a trailer he turned and said of all these cows you pick the only one out here I didn’t breed.  Truthfully I was embarrassed for a moment- he smiled and said I can’t blame you that’s one of the best cows out here. I wouldn’t have added her to my closed herd if she (a cow from haumont) wasn’t special.  Mr kaper undoubtedly inspired many breeders and I hope his legacy in this breed is remembered for many years to come.