On September 26th, an emotional and heartfelt paddock dedication ceremony took place at ROCK, Ride on Center for Kids, as a testament to the enduring legacy of Marjorie and Dennis Masterson. The event was made possible by the generous donation of $96,500 from the estate of Marjorie and Dennis Masterson, two individuals deeply committed to supporting the mission of ROCK through their legacy gift.
Marjorie and Dennis Masterson’s remarkable journey began in Southern California in the early 1980s, where Dennis, a citizen of Australia, embarked on a quest for high-performance racing car parts. Little did he know, he would find not only auto parts but also the love of his life, Marjorie. Their union in 1984 marked the beginning of a shared passion for ranching and horses.
In the late 1980s, the Mastersons relocated to the outskirts of Kansas City, Missouri, accompanied by a menagerie of horses, dogs, and an unforgettable giant pig named “Dinner.” They established a thriving fish farm and embarked on a lifelong love affair with team penning and sorting.
In 1999, the couple sought a new home, devoid of snow and ice, where they could immerse themselves in a community of fellow equestrians and continue their cherished horse-related pursuits. Llano, Texas, became their final sanctuary. Dennis managed a successful construction business for over two decades, becoming a proud American citizen, while Marjorie dedicated herself to accounting work and volunteer efforts with animal rescue organizations. However, their weekends were consistently devoted to their shared love of horses, particularly in their passion for helping new riders gain confidence and introducing children to the joys of horsemanship.
In 2021, Marjorie and Dennis Masterson, inseparable in life, passed away within four months of each other. Their enduring legacy is now woven into the fabric of ROCK, as their generous donation will contribute to the ongoing success of the incredible work carried out for both children and veterans at ROCK.
Kathleen McCue (sister of Marjorie) and Barbara Berkesch, (close friend), attended the poignant paddock dedication ceremony, joining David and Patsy Seal as well as ROCK staff, Nancy Krenek, Karah Powell, Melanie Allison, Mark Dial, Devon Felts, Sidney Garrison, and Steve Duhamel, in paying tribute to the unwavering spirit of Marjorie and Dennis.
The ROCK family extends its deepest gratitude to David and Patsy Seal for choosing to designate a legacy gift in memory of Marjorie and Dennis Masterson from their estate, whose love for horses and children as well as dedication to community will forever inspire and uplift those touched by their generosity.
