Roy Rogers

Re “Roy Rogers, ‘King of the Cowboys,’ Dies,” July 7: In my view, Roy Rogers’ very best moment occurred in 1945 when he brought joy into the life of a small boy. Roy and Trigger appeared, I believe at a war bond drive, at Dakota Street School in East Los Angeles, where he met my brother Mike. Mike was a “blue baby” and as a result he was weak and undersized and most noticeably his skin was a bluish purple. Because Mike was different, I suppose, he was subject to some teasing from other kids. But Roy changed that. He fussed over Mike and lifted him out of his wheelchair and put him on Trigger for several minutes. After that Mike was a hero in the neighborhood. He died a few months later, two months short of his eighth birthday.

Rogers’ son said that now he would be reunited with Trigger and Bullet and be off on new adventures. I believe that the littlest buckaroo will be there cheering him on.

TIMOTHY K. SCANLAN

Duarte

*

When I was a little girl, Roy Rogers was my hero. Riding around the block on a broom handle I named Trigger, my friend Johnny and I used our official Roy Rogers pistols to round up all the outlaws and restore peace to our little part of the West.

A few years ago, I met Roy at a party. He was all that little cowgirl had hoped for. Kind, soft-spoken with a quick wit and a warm smile. He even looked the same. Standing there in that famous white hat, his boots shined--guns and holster nearby, I suspected--he was ready to saddle up and ride off. Wow! For a minute, I was 10 years old again.

There won’t be any bad guys where you’re going, so happy trails to you, Roy. Till we meet again.

KAREN WILDER ROBIN

Pacific Palisades

*

With tears in my eyes, I hear my father’s likeness sing “That Pioneer Mother of Mine” to my mother, to all the moms, ever. I rejoice in the epitome of good vanquishing all the evils. And with chills down my spine from the most inspiring sight I have ever seen, I see that most graceful of horseman astride the greatest horse of them all: Roy Rogers and Trigger. Thanks, Roy, for being you.

MICHAEL HELWIG

Canoga Park