Champion Cowboy Andy Jauregui, 87, Dies

Andy Jauregui, a rodeo cowboy and producer and a member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame, has died at his Newhall ranch. He was 87.

Jauregui was inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 1979 and the Walk of Western Stars in Newhall and the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.

During the 1930s, he was honored as World’s Champion Steer Roper, World’s Champion Calf Roper and World’s Champion Team Roper.

He died Saturday of complications of Parkinson’s disease, said his daughter, Joanna Stuart.

He had lived on a ranch in Newhall for 62 years.

Born Feb. 10, 1903, in Santa Paula, Jauregui grew up with his 12 brothers and sisters on a sheep ranch. He started riding saddle broncos in rodeos at 16, but 10 years later turned to steer and calf roping.

During the silent film era, Jauregui and the late Clarence (Fat) Jones opened a facility in Newhall that rented horses and equestrian equipment to movie studios. He also doubled for some of the industry’s early actors, including Richard Dicks and Bob Steele.

He became a stock contractor in 1933, providing cattle for rodeos including one held for 19 years at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Shortly afterward he began producing rodeos, and produced a benefit rodeo in Watts after the Watts Riots in 1965.

He continued producing rodeos until retiring in the mid-1970s against the wishes of co-workers who appreciated his fast-paced, lively shows.

Jauregui was noted by his friends as a generous and trustworthy man.

A friend who was in jeopardy of losing his ranch once approached Jauregui for a loan, not mentioning the amount of money he needed. The rodeo producer reached into his pocket and pulled out a signed, blank check. Jauregui told his friend, “Whatever it takes, take care of it.”

He was the first cowboy to be inducted into the Ventura County Sports Hall of Fame. He was a longtime member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assn.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Camille Jauregui of Newhall; daughters Joanna Stuart, Noureen Baer and Andreena Rust of Newhall; brothers Anthony Jauregui and Gracian Jaurequi of Santa Paula and Robert Jaurequi of Grass Valley, Calif.; a sister, Marie Smith of Ventura; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Recitation of the rosary is scheduled for 7:30 tonight at the Eternal Valley Mortuary chapel, 23287 N. Sierra Highway in Newhall, which is handling the arrangements.

A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 23233 W. Lyons Ave. in Newhall.