A great man, husband, father, friend, cowboy, Wild Bunch member and SASS Hall of Fame inductee, Coyote Calhoun, AKA Lamar Shelnutt, passed away suddenly September 20th while attending to business at SASS’ New Mexico Headquarters.
He was a man of many talents stemming from his creativity to his huge heart and unconditional love and support of and for the things he cherished. Family, friends, fun and finally living his dreams of playing cowboy.
He ran several successful transportation business ventures and contributed his time and efforts to his daughter's sports activities and wildlife charity organizations. He was a cofounder of the Appalachian Foothills chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation as well as a cofounder of the first SASS Regional Cowboy Action Shooting event.
Coyote Calhoun was the SASS National Programs Director and Marketing Director. He was a co-founder of the Shootout at Mule Camp, the first SASS Regional Championship, and, as a member of the Magnificent Seven, received the SASS Spirit Award in 1999.
Coyote began working for SASS in 1999, bringing consistency and enthusiasm to the SASS National Shooting Program. He was part of the development of the SASS Range Operations Safety Courses and served on the SASS Range Operations Committee. He was an outspoken advocate of the “B” Western shooting category.
In 2004, Coyote received the prestigious “Top Hand” award and was inducted into the Cowboy Action Shooting Hall of Fame in 2009.
Coyote’s enthusiasm, energy, and creativity have been vital to SASS. His vision, innovation, creativity and hard work have brought joy and entertainment to so many for so long. His efforts put forth for so many years have left behind a great legacy for many to continue to enjoy.
He is survived by his wife Kay, two daughters Katie and Blair, two grandsons that he cherished dearly, three sisters, his mother and father.
Submitted by
Robin Wilson aka San Quinton
Robin Wilson aka San QuintonCoyote Calhoun
AKA
Lamar Shelnutt
