Rodeo’s Dick Kelly passes away
By Terry Murry on Thursday, April 9th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – For 30 years, Dick Kelly was the voice of the Pendleton Round-Up on KUMA. He died Saturday, surrounded by his family, at the age of 82.
Kelly grew up on the family farm in Lowden and earned a degree in agriculture business from Central Washington University.
“Dick took immense pride in being known as a good cowboy, having a good horse, and his deep love for his family,” his family posted on Facebook. “He was devoted to rodeo – cherishing the animals, competition, and lifestyle – and hosted team roping and barrel racing events that attracted ropers and runners from near and far.”
Before he became KUMA’s rodeo anchor, he was a Columbia River Circuit finalist and a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) gold-card member. He worked for Cascade Natural Gas, retiring in 2014 after more than 30 years of service. His granddaughter Jenna Moore, was a Round-Up princess in 2024.
A celebration of Dick Kelly’s life will be held at the Walla Walla Wagon Wheelers club house, 378 Hussey Street on April 19 at 2 p.m. The family says that memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame.
Photo via the Kelly family’s Facebook post
