JOHNNY RINGO
From the time he was a child, Johnny Ringo always wanted to be a cowboy out West. He eventually made his way to Cave Creek in 1992, and turned his love of our area's Western culture into Johnny Ringo's Carfree Adventures—jeep tours that have gifted generations of locals & travelers alike with fond memories of archeological, recreational, and historical entertainment.
And if you knew Johnny personally, you've been one of the lucky ones to have also been touched by his kind soul, and determination to live life to the fullest—particularly in the last three years.
In June 2020, the Ocotillo Fire destroyed Johnny's tour business and, just two months later, he was diagnosed with stage 2 pancreatic cancer. But out of the ashes and throughout the battle until his passing in August this year, Johnny experienced life anew. He initially beat the cancer after a Whipple procedure (during a pandemic!), and then dedicated time to help raise money for pancreatic cancer research. He rebuilt some of his business. He was baptized. He fulfilled a promise to himself to get back in the saddle again: He rode into town on his horse Blackjack. He danced at a barn party. And he married the love of his life Terre.
He lived splendidly right up until the very end, just as we would expect the legendary Johnny Ringo of Cave Creek to do.
Here is how some who knew Johnny best have remembered him.
Toni Drummond - Most people in the town of Cave Creek were touched by Johnny Ringo at some point. He adored this stretch of Arizona land and all of the characters that make up our small quaint town. His legacy was woven in with the folklore of his life. It was his ability to transport you into his story that would captivate all whom he interacted with. Johnny was a giver. Selfless. Enlightened. A true believer in Jesus Christ. He was a healer and a light worker capable of exuding unconditional love in absolute silence. He was a friend to all with a lifetime of dreams that he continued to dream until the second he left us. What we didn’t know is what would happen after Johnny left us. It’s been a magical unification of his legacy through all of us—his friends & loved ones—that has enabled us to carry forward his spirit, dreams, and projects.
Leslie Jensen - Johnny is truly a legend that will live on forever. Our paths first crossed 18 years ago when we worked at the Wild West Days event together. I took one look at him and was amazed at the beautiful twinkle in his eyes and the passion that came from his smile. It was spectacular to see Johnny dressed as the true cowboy he is standing up high, raising his handgun into the air, and firing the first shot—signaling our event and festivities had begun! ... The first story Johnny ever told me was about a dream he had of owning a black & white horse. One day while driving around right after he moved to Arizona, he saw this gorgeous black & white horse in a pasture at someone’s home. Johnny simply walked up to the front door and asked the owners if he could buy the horse. They said yes! Blackjack is still alive today some 35+ years later after spending every moment by Johnny's side. Those two had a bond of love that could never be broken. No doubt Blackjack and Johnny are riding together in heaven right now.
Ellen Alley (Mz. Ellie) - Friend, father, brother, and husband in the end. Wanderer, memory maker, glazier, and a real cowboy. Desert lover, gila monster chaser, cactus conisseur. Compassionate, a little naughty. One in a million. Touched so many hearts. Found his lord in a song. Left a hole in all our hearts now that he is gone. Tip a shot to Johnny, dirty tequila is his favorite. Remember the black & white horse and his famous wave.
Anna Marsolo - My most favorable memory of Johnny will always be his determination to help preserve our Town's Western heritage. He felt the sands were shifting toward replacing cowboys, hats, boots, and horses. Johnny would often say that the future of our unique lifestyle, where the Wild West lives, lies on the watch of our mayor and town council. But it also lies on my watch and the watch of everyone in this town. Heeding his words would be a good way to honor Johnny's memory.