Patrick Gottsch, who dedicated his life to promoting and growing the rural and western way of life, died on Saturday, May 18, at the Fort Worth Stockyards. He was 70 and no cause was given.

Gottsch founded The Cowboy Channel in 2017, which became the Official Network of ProRodeo. Since Tuesday, The Cowboy Channel has been broadcasting a nightly 30-minute special on Gottsch’s life and career, with a one-hour telecast planned on Friday evening.

Yellowstone and 1883 creator Taylor Sheridan issued a statement.

“Patrick Gottsch was a pioneer and visionary in every sense of the word. He created a central entertainment and information outlet that became an essential tool in the lives of all who work in agriculture and live in rural America. He brought horsemanship into the living rooms of America through exposure to clinicians such as Clinton Anderson, Chris Cox, and Ken McNabb. He was a tireless and stalwart protector...