Johnny’s story did not begin with his birth; it began with his grandparents, Benjamin Floch and Mary Harbin.

In 1873, Ben and Mary homesteaded on Montgomery Ridge near Anatone, Washington. Traveling by horse and wagon, they made their way to what is now Asotin County. The Flochs were the second homesteaders on Montgomery Ridge.

Johnny was born on June 5, 1951, to Mary Weed and Louis Floch and was raised on the Hostetler Ranch. He was born with club feet and was told he would never walk. When Johnny’s father heard this, he reached out to a friend named Buster Fordyce to see if he could help. Buster was able to get Johnny into Shriners Hospital in Spokane, Washington, where Johnny would spend the next 15 years undergoing surgeries so he could walk.

On April 29, 1962, while still wearing leg braces, Johnny broke a calf and rode it in the Asotin County Fair Parade, earning third place in the children’s division. He also showed steers in 4-H and FFA and participated in rodeo events such as Wild Cow Milking and the Cow Pony Contest.

Johnny worked for Potlatch Corporation for 38 years as a certified lumber grader and crane operator. He also spent time working as a ranch hand for Byron and Rod Hostetler. Over the years, Johnny has volunteered his time transporting FFA and 4-H kids’ animals to the fair, helping with repairs at the fairgrounds, and serving on the fair board.

His favorite way to spend his extra time is horseback riding in the mountains, spotting for big game, helping neighbors move cattle, and leading a pack string to some of his favorite hunting camp spots. In 2014, he had the privilege of harvesting a bull elk, an accomplishment that still hangs proudly in his living room today.

Johnny is blessed with six children; Sarah, Mary, J.C., Anna, Holli Jo, and Jenny Lou, and eight grandchildren who keep him busy. His children and grandchildren have continued the family tradition of showing animals, serving in royalty, and participating in rodeo events.

Today, you can find Johnny opening gates at the horse show or sitting in the grandstands, cheering on not only his grandchildren but all contestants—many of whom proudly call him “Grandpa Johnny.” If you’ve ever heard, “Go get ’em, pard!” “Need for speed!” or “Way to go, girlie bob!”, “Boy howdy!” you know there’s always someone in the crowd cheering you on, no matter who you are.

Johnny would like to thank the community for their continued support and the fair board for this great honor.

“If that cat could talk, what tales it would tell—about the Hostetlers, the Sangsters, and Johnny Floch as well.” –Johnny Floch

Welcome to the Asotin County Fair and Hells Canyon Rodeo!