Glenn Michael Souza
Year Inducted: 2015
Haleakalā Ranch Company | Maui
On December 1, 1988, Glenn started working for Haleakalā Ranch Company. He was following his passion that came to him later in life through his association with long-time Haleakalā Ranch Cowboy Foreman, Harold Amoral. Glenn’s passion for the Paniolo life pushed him to excel at all aspects of the job he was given. In no time, he developed into a good stockman with a keen sense for and extensive recall of individual cows and their calves. It was enjoyable working with him, especially when sorting pairs out in the pasture. His slow and quiet handling of the pipi always kept the herd quiet and relaxed.
When Greg Friel came to Haleakalā Ranch as the new manager, he brought his stock dogs with him. Glenn showed an immediate interest and aptitude for the use of stock dogs in the handling of the cattle. He developed a good team of dogs that would be his pride and joy until his final day.
Henry Silva, a Haleakalā Ranch cowboy helped mentor Glenn in various aspects of the paniolo life. When the ranch workday was over and during the weekend, Glenn worked with Henry shoeing horses upcountry and in other areas of Maui. The two men handled a few hundred horses in their shoeing rotation. During the evenings, when the horseshoeing was done, Glenn learned the art of preparing and braiding rawhide from Henry. The two would cover saddletrees; braid the wili o moku, kaula ili, reins, and whips. With the mentoring from Henry, Glenn became very proficient in the art and donated many braided items to the Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council auction while he was still able to braid.
Glenn passed away at age 56, much too soon for a man of his talents and character. He “rode for the brand,” serving Haleakalā Ranch Company loyally for twenty years the last several of which he served as Cowboy Foreman. Glenn was a stockman. Whether it was his dogs, horses or the cattle in his care, he handled them with an ease and grace and had the respect of everyone that ever worked with him.
Glenn is survived by his wife of 38 year, Jackie, two daughters, one son, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and loves on through his family, friends and the many lives he touched. He taught us that the bravest of all people live their dreams doing more than only dreaming them.