Martin Ikua Purdy, Sr.
Year Inducted: 2005
Ulupalakua Ranch | Maui
Parker Ranch | Hawai'i
If there be no higher accolade than the endorsement of one’s peers, hard evidence exists that Martin Purdy has earned that coveted distinction. No less than six Parker Ranch career paniolo - themselves worthy of notice - testified in writing that Martin’s “. . . abilities as a skilled paniolo are deserving of recognition”, and that he “. . . has contributed greatly to the perpetuation of the Hawai`i cattle industry and the paniolo culture and heritage.”
Martin, the son of Ikua Purdy, who is widely known as Hawai`i’s most famous paniolo, probably didn’t think that he would leave his own mark on paniolo history. Described as “Always quiet and unassuming” by a noted historian, Martin’s “humble yet effective role reflected the cowboy values so true of his heritage.” Even as a senior cowboy at Parker Ranch, in an outfit that routinely branded 12,000 calves annually, Martin had earned the right to be the roper. but instead he voluntarily chose the tedious and back-breaking task of flanking the roped calves to the ground for branding, giving countless younger cowboys the opportunity to develop the special roping technique, the kihele loop.
While the Purdy name has become virtually synonymous with Parker Ranch, Martin is originally from Kaua`i. While he was still a young boy, his family moved to Maui and Martin grew up on Ulupalakua Ranch. At the age of 15 he started work on the ranch fixing fences and cleaning stables. It wasn’t long before he joined the cowboy gang where he became a rough rider. Later he moved to the Big Island and in 1948 started as a paniolo at Parker Ranch. He eventually became an assistant foreman. His tenure there lasted 32 years and earned him the respect and admiration of paniolo who worked alongside him. To a true paniolo, there can be no greater recognition than that.