Bill Linderman

rdf:langString Bill Linderman

rdf:langString William E. Linderman (April 13, 1920 – November 11, 1965) was an American rodeo cowboy who competed on the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA) circuit in the 1940s and 1950s. During his career, he won RCA All-Around Cowboy titles in 1950 and 1953, along with an unofficial All-Around Cowboy championship in 1945; in addition, he earned season championships in rodeo disciplines four times. Linderman was the first cowboy with three RCA world championships in a year, a feat he accomplished in 1950. A native of Montana, he joined the RCA in the early 1940s, winning his first discipline world championship in 1943 before beating out his brother for the 1945 unofficial All-Around Cowboy title. After injuries and health issues ended his 1946 and 1947 seasons, Linderman added two more All-Around Cowboy championships in the next six years. Beginning in 1947, Linderman worked various jobs for the RCA, including spells as a member of the organization's board of directors, president, and secretary-treasurer. His desire for a season-ending event featuring leaders in the RCA's point standings helped lead to the creation of the National Finals Rodeo. Linderman moved with his family to Washington, and remained with the RCA until his death in a plane accident. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.