The Show Will Go On

Announcement posted this morning by Miranda Dodge on the Spots of Fun Appaloosa Facebook page:

For those that haven’t heard... 

My grandpa Kenny passed away on 12/14 and when we woke up this morning 12/15 my grandma Moreen had joined him.

She went peacefully in her sleep. 

They both were a great part of the show, as of right now we still plan on keeping it going. 

It won’t be the same without them. 

If you have any photos from the past shows please share in comments 

Kenny and Moreen Leen


Beloved by so many in the community and in the area horse world. 

RIP

 

Moreen on the job at the show. 

Her daughter Moriha, also on the job as statistician, et. al. 

Moriha posted an announcement on Facebook Wednesday that her father Kenny had passed away in Coeur d'Alene.

Readers were stunned and saddened.

Yesterday she posted another announcement: 

Guess my mom couldn't stand the thought of my dad not having any one bossing him around, she will be missed. 

She died peacefully in her sleep last night.

News traveled fast among their many friends.

Tears flowed even faster. 

Initial thoughts from those reading the news:  they are together.  What a love story!

Moreen and Kenny Leen both grew up in Sandpoint, then married, then raised a family.  They traveled to various parts of the country while Kenny worked as a crane operator. 

They eventually came home permanently to the family farm in Sagle. 

The kids----all joined 4-H and all rode horses.  Leens raised Appaloosas. 

Eventually, Moreen's name as organizer was attached to at least one horse show a year, and she happily maintained that job for decades. 

Most prominent:  the Spots of Fun Open Horse Show held every July. 

The shows, which drew equestrians from around North Idaho, Montana and Eastern Washington, were always fun.

Moreen saw to it that prizes for classes and the various raffles were always top quality. 

She started early each year, seeking out a judge, secretary, ring steward, gate keepers, ribbon presenter, barn manager and an announcer.  

I announced the show for several years. Moreen always made sure that any needs I had---including a  honey bucket located close by---were met. 

Through all that interaction I saw firsthand how Moreen's horse show team helped her out with their own sense of dedication and enthusiasm. 

Much of that team included the Leen family, taking on office, grounds, and barn duties. 

Kenny usually kept a low profile, but he still seemed ubiquitous, always walking the grounds, checking on what folks needed and telling his one liners and hilarious stories.

I once remember introducing Kenny to my daughter-in-law as "one of the funniest people you'll ever meet." 

After a few minutes of watching Kenny in action, I'm sure she agreed. 

The kids and the grandkids always showed up to compete in the horse show or to help with general organization.

The Leen family is much beloved in this area. 

They truly represent a delightful slice of Americana with their hard work, devotion to family and with the institution they have created here locally in the Spots of Fun Open Horse Show. 

Yes, Miranda, the show will go on, and, for sure, it will not be the same without them. 

Still, Kenny and Moreen planted the seeds and, for years, lovingly nurtured a very special annual event here in Sandpoint. 

I'm sure you'll find that all who have participated in any way will be inspired more than ever to see that the Spots of Fun will continue as the best way possible to honor your grandparents.  

May Spots of Fun Open Horse Show 2023 be the best ever!

🏆🐎💕

I think they'll like that.