Leonard Radcliffe “Rally” Greenwell
Year Inducted: 2017
Parker Ranch | Hawai'i
Kahuā
Ranch | Hawai'i
Born on the slopes of Hualālai on December 25, 1913, Leonard Radcliffe “Rally” Greenwell was the son of Frank and Violet Greenwell.
He started working on his family ranch at the early age of twelve. When he was 20 years old he left his home ranch and went to work for Parker Ranch. He was assigned to the revered “Cowboy Gang” under Johnny Lindsey. By 1936, two years later, Rally was made foreman of the Ke‘amuku Section and oversaw other remote areas of the ranch including the Humu‘ula Sheep Station where a life-long bond was created with Willie Kaniho.
As World War II was coming to an end, Rally was called to Kahuā Ranch to become assistant manager to Ronald von Holt. He spent a decade there and became general manager at von Holt’s death. While at Kahuā he married Patricia Gilman of Oʻahu and together they had two children, David and Joan.
In 1956, Rally returned to Parker Ranch at the bequest of Hartwell Carter. Coming back to the ranch that he had long-covered on horseback, corner to corner from Puakea to Humu‘ula, Ke‘āmuku to Hanaipoe. He focused on the forage, water, and livestock, but most importantly, the loyal work force. His new assignment included the Makahālau purebred breeding center, Pa‘auhau, and Hanaipoe sections.
In 1962, Richard Smart appointed Rally to be the general manager of Parker Ranch. In his inaugural statement Rally cautioned that while some changes may come, “they will be done with the welfare of the Ranch in mind and with the Ranch families at heart.”
He was elected president of the Board of Directors of Hawaiʻi Meat Company in 1963. Under Rally’s direction, the cow-calf expansion grew to 18,000 mother cows. Over his career he had the privilege of working with three veterinarians, Drs. Leonard Case, Wally Nagao, and Billy Bergin.
In the four decades, he spent in leadership roles at Kahuā and Parker Ranch, Rally never lost his aloha for his home ranch, Palani. After leaving Parker in 1971, Rally would often help his life-long friend, Johnny Rapoza, who at the time managed Palani Ranch. It was a pleasure that he cherished.
Rally’s legacy has many components. His leadership roles on ranches, in packing house arenas, and in animal health and welfare are remarkable. Yet glimpses into his life reveal a humble man who dedicated his life to the betterment of livestock, their caretakers and his family.