John Clarence Rapoza
Year Inducted: 2003
Palani Ranch | Hawai'i
Born at Kealakekua, Johnny started at McCandless Ranch at age 16. After three years he moved to Huehue Ranch, working under his uncle, Frank Gouveia. Soon after, he was hired by Frank Greenwell at Palani Ranch, where Johnny stayed for the rest of his life – 54 years.
Johnny became Ranch Manager at Palani in 1975. But he had purchased some land from Greenwell in 1948 and started his own ranch – Lanihau – which he developed and operated with his family. Johnny knew all there was to know about building and operating a ranch. He taught many others fencing skills, water systems, and how to build or move redwood water tanks, among many other things.
Of course, Like any true paniolo, he knew his horses and cattle and was good with a rope on any kind of terrain. A paniolo can never get enough roping, and Johnny enjoyed roping for fun, too. He and his good friend, fellow employee and left-handed heeler, Tony Jose, became a team to beat.
A good testimony to Johnny’s legacy was offered by Palani Ranch’s Jim Greenwell, who said, “ Johnny brought a unique class, skill, unselfishness and professionalism to what it means to be a paniolo, and our memories of him go far toward keeping the paniolo spirit alive and well. . .”