Jack Robert Brainard, 100, of Whitesboro, Texas was called home to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday 24, 2021.
Jack was born on August 12, 1921 in Wasta, South Dakota to Ralph and Iva (Grey) Brainard. Jack grew up in the time when the west was still truly wild, he was a legendary horseman, mentor, and friend to many. He had a deep love for the cowboy way of life and was instrumental in developing the riding practices that we use today. He attended Cooke County Cowboy Church.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Shaw-Brainard of Whitesboro; son, Zane Brainard and wife, Jill of Weatherford; son, Jody Brainard and wife, Amy of Mulhall, Oklahoma, grandchildren, Jay, John, Laura, and Vance; stepson, Dustin Shaw and wife, Alana; step grandchildren, Gabriel, and Jade; sister, Lois Lukens of Rapid City, SD; nephews, Jess and Seth Lukens.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Iva Brainard and sister, Grace Brainard.
A celebration of life honoring Jack will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro.
Jack had a huge influence in my life. He was the best. A wonderful and gentle teacher. What an honor.
I had the privilege of learning better Horsemanship from Jack. I was so grateful to get to see he and Kathy for a short while in Fort Worth at Road to the Horse this year, and get to talk with him for a short while.
Always a gentleman, never too busy to take time to talk with someone, and very generous helping others.
He will be missed.
Amazing horseman good memories Long life Amen
You are a friend.
You are a legend.
You are our hero.
We love you Jack.
A truly great man, gracious to all who came to know him.
Mike and jean Spires
You will be missed by all in the Johnston house hold… and all South Dakotaians. You have a special touch on all…
From up here in Canada, we mourn the loss of this great horseman…we know our Saviour sent a good using horse to bring Jack to him over that great divide …the loss is immense, the sorrow heavy but there is joy knowing Jack is home…
Grew up at the Diamond B in Rochester, MN. Jack and that place had a big influence moving through life…
Such an amazing man that has touched so many! Our thoughts and prayers to his family as we know that God has welcomed him home on his last ride.
Jack was a Great Horseman and a wonderful person. We learned a lot from him. He judged our first AQHA Show here in Germany at or Place in 1985. We will never forget him! Rest in Peace Jack – there will be a Good Horse in Heaven for you!
Kathy, So sorry for your loss. David and I did not know until just now. We still love you and are here if there is anything we can do. David and Cylinda Singleton.
Dear Jack, what an honor to have known you. I loved your thirst for knowledge and how you helped us all, no matter what level, equally. I wish we could have had you here for another 100 years.
Great friend and mentor.
Such a quiet, kind and humble man with a huge knowledge and understanding of the horse. It was a wonderful privilege to ride with you Jack. After riding the horses I always say, good, good, good and think of you.
A great horseman and wonderful person who will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. RIP and Ride On, dear Jack!!!
Ride on, Jack…Heaven wouldn’t be heaven without horses…
I will cherish our friendship and the knowledge you shared with me forever. Until me meet again my friend,
No one influenced my daughter’s and my riding more than Jack Brainard.
I loved his style and insight. There will never be anyone like Jack. We are sorrowful but so grateful.
We were shown the best horse on the Diamond B in Rochester Mn. Ride on Jack.
Fly Calm, Forward and Straight.
Nobody can ever fill your boots.
I will always love you, Jack.
There will only ever be one Jack Robert Brainard the whole world over. Your teachings, wisdom & compassionate soul will be forever remembered & cherished – heavenly angel at home with God our Father.
Your memory is a treasure. Your encouragement a gift. Thank you Jack.
Thanks for the Memories, Jack.
I was introduced to Jack by David Brown over 30 years ago. I loved Jack’s stories and was always amazed by his incredible memory. He had so many amazing experiences with so many different facets of the “cowboy life”. He will be missed by many!
Bob Lambert, St. Peter, Minnesota
I did not know him as well as most, but I soon became aware and was in awe. Lucky to have known him while I did!
Praying for you Kathy. Your devotion to Jack was so apparent.
I would not be who I am Today if it was not for you! My friend, father figure, mentor, teacher, life coach, legend & I could go on and on!!! Love u Jack! RIP… I’ll see u again some day!
I had the opportunity to scribe for Mr Brainard several years ago and learned so much. Periodically our paths continue to cross and he remembered me and would ask how my riding was coming along. His clinic’s were such a wealth of information. What a truly wonderful man – who will be missed by so many.
A gentleman, story teller extraordinaire and a humble but great master in the Equine world
Always a student himself, he certainly made the world a better place . You will be sadly missed, but we are all thankful for the knowledge, stories and encouragement you have shared with us.
Jack and I go back to showing together in the 1960’s when we both lived in Minnesota. He was one of my reining heroes after whom I tried to pattern my showing. He set the trend for all reiners in our area. I respected his opinion and advice. I was proud to have cofounded the Southwest Reining Horse Association with him. His influence will last for generations. Long live his memory.