Empty Saddles

One of the solemn rodeo traditions is the honoring of those who have passed with an empty saddle accompanied through the arena.  Below are excerpts from this year’s honorees.  Some editing has been necessary for length, but as much has been retained as possible for the three riders. 

Tracy Josephson

Born on March 14, 1976, in Driggs, Idaho, to Darwin and Marianne Josephson, Tracy spent his early years in Bates, Idaho. In 1984, the family moved to Tetonia, where Tracy began his 3rd grade year. There, he worked the family farm, played football with a fierce passion, wrestled and drove his beloved Suburban, which he nicknamed “The Beast,” through the streets. Tracy graduated from Teton High School, in Driggs, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed his love for farming and community.

After high school, Tracy attended Ricks College for a year before embarking on a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Kenya Nairobi Mission.  While called to serve in Kenya, Tracy’s mission largely unfolded in Uganda, where he served the people of Kampala and Jinja. His love for the communities he encountered left a lasting impact, and he carried the spirit of service with him for the rest of his life.

Tracy returned to Rick’s College. 

It was during this time that he met the love of his life, LaVonne Jensen, who would become not only his best friend but also his partner in life’s adventures. Tracy and LaVonne

married on June 4, 1999, in the Bountiful Temple, and their journey together began--a journey filled with love, laughter, delicious food, adventure, and a deep commitment to each other.

In 2006, Tracy and LaVonne moved to Chesterfield, Idaho, to be closer to family and work on the family farm. While LaVonne approached the move with caution, Tracy embraced it wholeheartedly.  Together, they built a home in the quiet countryside that radiated warmth and welcome, a haven where hard work, love, and the joy of family formed lasting memories.

Tracy’s greatest joy came in February 2008, when he and LaVonne were blessed with their beautiful daughter, Gracie. Tracy adored Gracie from the moment he laid eyes on her. Their special bond was instantaneous and unbreakable.

He took immense pride in being a father, and one of his most treasured moments was when Gracie was sealed to him and LaVonne for eternity. Tracy’s love for his family knew no bounds—he was fiercely protective, endlessly devoted, and always ready to provide comfort, laughter, or a home-cooked meal to those he loved.

His presence was a blessing to his community, and his legacy of service and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Blaine Smith

Alfred “Blaine” Smith, born on September 7, 1933, in Bancroft, Idaho, peacefully passed away on the morning of August 15, 2024, in Soda Springs, Idaho, just 16 miles from his birthplace and 23 days shy of his 91st birthday. Blaine was the beloved son of Ernest Lavon Smith and Florice Bybee Smith, and he was one of eight children. He was preceded in death by his older siblings, William, Wendall, and Dureen, and younger siblings, Robert, and Jean. He is survived by two younger siblings, Dennis and L Dee Smith.

Blaine grew up in Bancroft, where he lived until the age of 17. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served our country with distinction as a Hospital Corpsman during the Korean Conflict, including several years stationed in the Philippine Islands.

While on leave at the age of 19, Blaine married Evelyn Josephine Morris on June 3, 1953, in Roseville, California. Their first daughter, Evelyn Kay Smith, was born in April of 1954 while Blaine was overseas. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Blaine and Evelyn settled in Roseville, where their family grew with the births of Dee Ann in 1956, Debbie in 1957, and Dawna in 1959. Blaine initially worked as a Hospital Orderly before returning to his true passion: carpentry.

In 1960, the couple purchased land in Loomis, California, where Blaine, determined to provide for his family, studied at night to obtain his General Contractor’s license. He built their family home on Horseshoe Bar Road, where they continued to grow with the births of Kelli in 1960, Kyle in 1966, and Kevin in 1976. Blaine continued his construction career for the remainder of his life, working hard to provide for his family.

In 1973, Blaine and Evelyn suffered the heartbreaking loss of their oldest daughter, Kay, in a tragic accident. Despite this devastating event, Blaine remained dedicated to his family, expanding their Loomis home to meet their growing needs. Over the years, they raised chickens, rabbits, cows, pigs, and horses, making countless memories together.

In 1989, Blaine married Sharon Lish, and in 1990, they welcomed Blaine’s eighth child, Dillon. They settled in the Sacramento area, where Blaine continued his construction career. In 2011, they moved to Nampa, Idaho, eventually finding their way back to Southeastern Idaho in 2015 and finally settling in Soda Springs in 2020.

Blaine is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather by his large posterity. He is survived by his wife Sharon, his first wife Evelyn, seven of his eight children, 33 of his 34 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 21 great, great-grandchildren. Blaine was to rest near his mother in the Bancroft Cemetery.

Stanley Wistisen 

From Kathleen Wistisen

Stanley was born on March 14, 1946. A couple of years ago, I asked for memories from Stan’s siblings and I would like to share a short part from each. His sister, Rolene, remembers the day he came home from school when he was fifteen. A friend had tapped the back of his head quickly into the drinking fountain, yes you all have probably had a little experience with this one way or another, and broke off half of one of his front teeth. It was going to be capped but there were some problems as to when this would happen. Stan went downstairs, took a pair of tinsnips, and cut the other tooth off to match. He came up and proudly said, “Now my teeth are the same and I don’t need a cap on the other one.” His mother about fainted when he smiled up at her. He said he didn’t feel any pain. This is my first story; you will understand a little as I continue.

Cordell mentioned when Stan wrestled in high school, he would pick up his opponent and spin him in the air and then slam him to the mat. You are right, that is not legal in today’s world, but it was sure fun to watch. He was careful not to hurt anyone. Stan only weighed 136 pounds, but his strength was amazing. There was one night he walked out on the mat, picked up his opponent, gave him a helicopter ride, put him on the mat and pinned him in less than 30 seconds.

Dale was old enough to enjoy the Wistisen VW Beetle. It was the run around car and would make its way to Mutual every Tuesday night. Stan, the driver would lock it up tight and take the keys.

Many nights when he and Dale would leave for home, they didn’t have to walk to the curb. The Beetle was waiting at the front door of the church. His “friends” had moved it for him. His buddies had a great time moving that little car around from place to place; Stan was an easy one to tease, because he would just go along with the fun.

Rulon said, “If every young boy, and every young man, discovering his world, and every adult picking up the reigns of his life, could have a brother like Stan, there would be no need for institutions for correction, no clinics for brain fixing, and no hospitals for mental or physical break downs. After farming and ranching together as financial partners for nearly 60 years, we never had a disagreement which caused us to raise our voices or stomp our feet in anger. I can indeed exclaim that Stan looked out for me and my family as much as he looked out for his own.” 

Rulon also told about some of the fun they had growing up next to the railroad tracks. “We would put pennies on the track and let the trains smash them. This piqued our imagination as to what the trains could do to a rock placed on the tracks; so, we decided to see what would happen to the rocks. We hid behind the tall grass to watch and see the sparks fly. A few days later, a Union Pacific agent, in a sporty looking suit, pulled up in front of our house and asked to see our dad. After a brief conversation between the U.P. agent and Dad, Stan and I were invited to join the interrogation wherein we admitted that we were guilty of placing the rocks on the tracks. With our admission of guilt, you might think the case could be closed, but not so fast. Our shenanigans warranted a visit with Judge Rasmussen in his chambers at the court house in Soda Springs, which was intended to put the fear of higher powers in our bodies with a hope and promise that we never try that trick again. It worked.

(Thanks to his siblings for taking the time to share these and other stories.)

Stan worked for many years in scouting with the youth. He loved the scouting program and working with the young men. He spent many hours in snow caves and other activities. There were few young men who did not receive their Eagle Scout while he was working with them. During the Eastern Idaho State Fair, he enjoyed spending evenings each year, in the Tiger Booth. He would work from sun-up with the harvest and then go to Blackfoot to sell Tiger Ears until 10pm, he did this every night. Stan was awarded the Silver Buffalo medal for his distinguished service for outstanding contributions to the young men. He loved working with the youth.

Stan was very musical and played the tenor saxophone. He and a group of five or six fellow students; played in a dance band for a couple of years in high school. They were kept busy many weekends. This did cut down on his dancing a little, but he would still take a turn. He was a very good dancer and the girls loved the chance to get to dance with him.

A little over a year after he got back from his mission we were married in the Logan Temple. I have been so blessed to be his wife. Stan loved to farm, working from sunup to way past dark. He took short naps when available. When he would come in for lunch, I could swear, I think the kids thought he was an extra toy on the floor. They would crawl all over him while he took a short nap and I fixed lunch. They always loved to spend time with their dad, no matter how old they were or what he was doing.

Stan loved to be active in things and was always busy. He served in the Young Farmers and Ranchers, (his dad was on our doorstep the first month we were married with the request we needed to go to a meeting with him.) then within a couple of years, he was elected as the President of the Farm Bureau. After many years serving in that capacity, he agreed to be President of the North Gem Education Foundation, he enjoyed every year here at the fair in one food booth or another, I seriously don’t remember one year he was not here. He loved the work and the association with each of you and liked to feel like he was helping.

Stan passed away February 17, 2025.

I would like to express my appreciation and love to those of you, in this county, for your friendship and help over the years. Especially for the love and concern shown us these past few years after the stroke he had five years ago. There were many who helped when I needed it, and so many others who offered. Caribou County is a wonderful place to live and we have been so blessed to share it with you.