 It is with great sadness to inform you of the passing of my aunt Roxy Engesser. Roxy passed away this past Sunday morning after at the age of 79. Roxy Engesser was youngest daughter of George and Vates Engesser who were pioneers in live entertainment in the early 20th century. Roxy Engesser was born February 20, 1932 in the heart of the great depression. She was raised in the family along side such circus luminaries as John Herriott, Hubert Castle, her sister Vates Jr. who was a circus artist and silent film star and her sister Gee Gee. Roxy Engesser did not perform in the circus like her more recognized siblings but her contribution was no less significant as demonstrated by her love of animals which she championed throughout her life by creating an organization that toured endangered species and encouraged audiences to understand the plight of many exotic cats destined for extinction in their native range states. Roxy Engesser worked tirelessly to convey a realistic representation of endangered big cats while also sending a message that humans and animal can inhabit the same space on our planet and command mutual respect. Roxy was most proud of her open house with the animals and lectures to elementary and secondary school children where she strived to connect urban kids with wildlife in an intimate setting. Roxy also produced a live country music group, The Western Wildcats, that conveyed the message of endangered species through music. Prior to her foray into the display and public education of endangered species Roxy played a prominent role in live event merchandising and hospitality. While living in Dallas, Texas she was instrumental in the early development and success of Amusement Enterprises, a firm that provided on site hospitality services for the Cotton Bowl, the Dallas Cowboys and the Colonial National Golf Tournament. Roxy Engesser is survived by her husband Don Luce along with her son Roby and daughter Lola Engesser. At present information on memorial services is being scheduled by the family and will be announced at a later date.  |
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
From Bill Powell
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3 comments:
Thanks Bill for news of Roxy passing on. We were young swchool kids together at the Engesser-Herriott compound on Elm St. in St. Peter, Minn. Houses on both sides of the street with about eight cousins, plus two blocks down was more first cousins [three] and then another couple blocks [four more] so you see we were a big happy family and Granpa and Grandma Engesser were the centerpoint of our lives. [school was one block up on Elm St. When Uncle George and Aunt Vates would arrive with trailer and family it was a joyous time and Aunt Vates lovingly put up with all of us. What a great youth and family and we still were part of the circus. Dad would come home in Fall and mom would not allow his trunk in the house, but it was out in the backyard "summer kitchen" [big porch] so she could de-bug it[bedbugs from the circus train coaches]. Then clothes,etc. could come inside. All circus trains were fumigated at least twice during the season but they were still prevelant. [A little circus trivia.] What a time and it went on for a number of years. Mother never liked the train shows. Too confining on the lot and train. She liked her trailer on a "mud show" so always declined to be on the brailroad shows. We found that to be true even on Ringling and were a happier family on Mills, Hoxie, etc. Big time is not the best time. In closing let me say that The Greatest Show On Earth is wonderful to be from.Great times and memories.
IN about 1926 Milton Grimes [adopted by stepfather and before marrying would change his name back to biographically father Herriott] joined Zellmar-Schell Bros. circus as young eques.director and animal trainer and met Viola Engesser sister of circus proprieter. Courted and were maried in circus ring. FAmily would settle in brides home of St. Peter, Minn. and that was the beginning of Herriott-Engesser era.
Thanks, John!
Love to hear stories like this!
We considered working with Roxy one winter, but Ned became ill and we could't.
:-)
Cindy Potter
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