Tribute to Lee Keener (From Wayne Jackson)

Tommy Tony 002, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Jeanette, Tanya and Lee. I first met Lee back in March ’82 at the Detroit Shrine date, I went to meet Bucky Steele and to see if he would give me a job? While talking to Bucky shortly after arriving, Lee came up to Bucky, asked him did he have a spare hook and then turned to me and asked me would I mind walking with Mysore during Banners? For the next two days and the following weekend, I walked Mysore and shovelled behind Bucky’s five Elephants, my first experience in Circus Life! Eight hundred miles of driving over two weekends and ten Elephants to help with was well worth the drive! I met and helped Lee on four dates and really enjoyed working for him, I still remember him telling me he would like to hire me, but with the money Tony Diano gave him to pay a groom, he figured I was worth more than a $100.00/week! Although it has been quite awhile since the last time we met up, I will always remember the great opportunity that Lee offered me by helping out with his Elephants and teaching me more about Elephants! My condolences go out to his wonderful wife Jeanette and daughter Tanya. Wayne