Frederick Jackson Turner Posted April 23 Posted April 23 Rest in peace, Beartrap aka Ryan Keto. He cut a broad swath in this cowboy world of ours, and introduced dozens, even hundreds of new shooters to our game. If you knew him, you were the better for it, if you never had the chance, you were the poorer. I'm going to miss that grumpy son-of-a-gun. With sadness and respect, FJT 4 1 7 Quote
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted April 23 Posted April 23 So sad to see this! We shared many laughs back in the day. He leaves shoes that can never be filled! 1 Quote
Yul Lose Posted April 23 Posted April 23 Truly sad news. Beartrap was a real inspiration to many, many people. Kinda gruff in a good way and you knew where he stood. I doubt I would have become a gunfighter if it weren’t for him. I’ve got so many good memories of him over the years and right now I’m just in shock. R.I.P Beartrap. 5 Quote
Don Coyote, SASS #63736 Posted April 23 Posted April 23 He was one of my heroes in the game. Great shooter, great instructor, and a good friend. Never forgot to remind me who actually won FCD at Bordertown '13 even though I took home the buckle! RIP, Beartrap. 1 Quote
H.G. Wells Posted April 23 Posted April 23 Very sad news, I always enjoyed shooting with him. He was knowledgeable, stood his ground, and one heck of a good cowboy. I will miss him. H.G. 1 Quote
Blackwater 53393 Posted April 23 Posted April 23 Crossed paths along the way. He was good people! A prayer for his family and his many friends! 1 Quote
Black Hills Barb Posted April 23 Posted April 23 I only met him once. He was our posse marshal at EOT when it was still at Founders Ranch. He was a great guy. He's in good company in that posse in the sky. We lost our friend Frenchy Wolf this morning. 1 Quote
Buck Garrett Posted April 23 Posted April 23 So sad. R.I.P my friend. Sincere condolences to Choctaw Gal, and family. 1 Quote
Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L Posted April 23 Posted April 23 (edited) I got to meet Beartrap in 2014 when I shot a monthly match at the Cajon Cowboys while in California for a trip from Texas. Sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in Peace Beartrap Edited April 23 by Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L 1 Quote
Smokin Gator SASS #29736 Posted April 23 Posted April 23 Oh no! A group of us shot together in FCD years ago. My favorite memories of Beartrap and Choctaw Gal were at the John Wayne Shootout in SLO. My mom lived nearby and several years I brought her to the big Saturday night dinner. He'd talk to her and would get her out on the dance floor. She had the time of her life. Even some sips of Apple Pie. He would stop everytime he went by our table. She thought the whole event was wonderful. Everyone was nice to her of course. My thoughts are with his family. Thanks for everything Beartrap. 1 Quote
Doc Eagle Posted April 24 Posted April 24 Never met the man personally but I did buy a set of dies and some brass from him. Very nice gentleman and easy to do business with. May he RIP 1 Quote
Jackson Haller Posted April 24 Posted April 24 This is terrible news! He was a very fine pard and reached out to me when IB passed! May the Good Lord comfort his family and friends now... 1 Quote
Von Dutch, SASS # 7995 Posted April 24 Posted April 24 When I saw this, I was blown away! RIP my friend you will be missed by many. V.D. 1 Quote
Earl Brasse, SASS #3562 Posted April 24 Posted April 24 Beartrap was always fun to shoot with & yak about BP shooting at Bordertown & Winter Range over the years. R.I.P 1 Quote
Billy Boots, # 20282 LTG-Regulator Posted April 27 Posted April 27 On 4/23/2026 at 12:01 PM, Frederick Jackson Turner said: Rest in peace, Beartrap aka Ryan Keto. He cut a broad swath in this cowboy world of ours, and introduced dozens, even hundreds of new shooters to our game. If you knew him, you were the better for it, if you never had the chance, you were the poorer. I'm going to miss that grumpy son-of-a-gun. With sadness and respect, FJT FJT, so well said.. Beartrap and I shared many a great chat and the passion for CAS and our FCD category (even though I did not share the fondness for 44-40). Many years ago at a Winter Range, Beartrap approached me to introduce himself, and he did so offering such humbling words in his introduction. A few weeks after returning home I received a box of brass 12 Gauge hulls with Billy Boots inscribed on head. I still like to carry a couple reminding me of our friendship. Such a wonderful family of shooters who did indeed better our sport. May God comfort Choctaw Gal, family, and the many friends who are saddened by his passing. .RIP Beartrap my friend 1 Quote
Ol Number4 Posted May 5 Posted May 5 Another of the "One of a Kind" has passed. I will miss him and his dedication to the Cowboy Way. Ol' #4 1 Quote
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