Dana Scott Chappell, 51, died in the early morning hours on June 11, 2009 at home with his special best friend Ms. Lee Shaw by his side.

Dana was born in Council Idaho to Loren and Mildred Chappell, the middle son of five siblings.

Dana devoted his life to the promotion of the American Quarter Horse by breeding, raising, training and showing his own Quarter Horses in the National Reined Cow Horse Association shows, he especially enjoyed competing in the Snaffle Bit Futurity held in Reno Nevada.

Dana knew at an early age that he wanted to be a Cowboy and a professional horse trainer. His first ranch job was at the age of 13, by the age of 16 he was working at some of the largest ranches in Southern Idaho and Northern Nevada. Throughout his buckaroo life Dana worked for the TS Ranch, Rancho Idaho, the Wine Cup, and the Gamble Ranch. He was known as "Bronc" to the other buckaroos that he worked with because he could ride the hair off of a bucking horse.

At the age of 25 Dana put his shingle out as a professional horse trainer; he was the best there was at starting two year old colts. He completed contracts for many horse ranches starting over 2000 head of two and three year olds. Dana had that special gift that is never acquired; you have to be born with it.

In 1997 Dana ventured down to Southern California where he met Ms. Lee Shaw. It seemed to be fate that they had met. They immediately embarked on a life of raising quality quarter horses together. Dana did the training while Lee managed the business side.

In search of pasture for their brood mares, Dana and Lee moved to Smith Valley, NV in 2003. Dana continued to train horses and Lee and Dana together continued to raise quality quarter horse by Morgan's Yellow Pep and Classical Hickory, both NRCHA money earners.

In 2007 Dana fought a battle with pancreatic cancer and won, only to succumb 2 short years later to complications of non-cancerous colon surgery.

Dana is survived by his partner Lee Shaw, his mother Mildred Chappell, his brothers Jack and Tim; Sisters Jill and Lorna, Aunts Bobbie Smith, Caroline Davis and June Sawyer, Uncles Milton Smith and Robert Davis, nephews John, Joey and Jamie, and nieces Jackie and Janine. Brother-in-Law, Wally Shaw. Bart and Barbie will always be Dana's best four legged buddies, they were his turn back help when working cattle on his horses.

Dana was also fortunate to have the following great friends: Spider Teller, Wally Shaw, Bobby Cotta, Mike Lombardi, Chris Murphy, Isaiah Jones, Rex and Sandy Hartwick, Len Brown, Oyd Higgins, John Lawless, Troy Stahl, Terry Hartung, and so many more.

Prior to Dana's death he had requested that a Bar-B-Que be held in the event of his death, so on June 20, 2009 at 2 pm at his home (Chappell Horse Ranch) 483 Hudson Aurora Rd Smith NV family and friends will gather for a Celebration of His Life. All are welcome and please come as you are.

In lieu of flowers, please bring a side dish or drinks to share.

RIDE ON COWBOY, RIDE ON.

Family and friends can sign the online guest book at www.FRFH.net

Arrangements are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, Yerington 463-2911