Honoring the Life of a Cowboy
The Makawao History Museum honors the life of a true cowboy ;
Le Roy “Blondie” Freitas
1939-2015
Blondie was a 5th generation Upcountry Paniolo who started full time on Haleakala Ranch at age 18. With his long blond hair, baseball caps, and work boots, Blondie was an iconic figure in the ranching community. A man who knew who he was and what he could do. His work often required him to go alone into remote areas of the ranch such as Waiopai Gulch, where he would scramble down the side of the steam and dangerous wall to check on the springs at the bottom.
Cowboy, hunter, polo player, and baseball 3rd baseman, Blondie was a true legend. “What he forgot, new generations won’t have the opportunity to learn.” - Kurt Freitas
This exhibit was previously on display in 2015. We share it with you now to share Blondie’s legacy and these wonderful photos shared with us.
Ernest Freitas and Cecilia DeRego (Blackie and Blondies parents)
