Brooke Nyman leads the riderless horse into the rodeo arena in honor of Charley Otley. (Photo by RANDY PARKS)

By Randy Parks
Burns Times-Herald

In December 2011, it was announced that Charley and Maryanna Otley had been selected as grand marshals for the 88th Harney County Fair, Rodeo and Race Meet to be held Sept. 4-9.

Unfortunately, Charley died the week before fair, on Aug. 28. In his honor and memory, Brooke Nyman led a riderless horse adorned with a flower bouquet in the parade and at the rodeo.

As Kedo Olson announced at the rodeo, “Charley is now in a better place. Where the grass is stirrup-high, the water is crystal clear, the sky is always blue and the sun is at his back.”