John Leavitt hanging up his spurs

After 40 years as Sisters' iconic purveyor of fine Western fashion, John Leavitt is hanging up his spurs.

Leavitt and his wife, Kathryn, are saying goodbye to their signature Sisters retail store with a sale that will likely stretch into August before they close the doors for good.

"It's time to do some other things," John said. "Haven't taken many vacations. I don't get down to our ranch (in Lakeview) very often... it'd be nice to spend four, five days."

He and Kathryn will stay in Sisters, and John will continue his involvement with the Sisters Rodeo, where he's served on the board of directors and chaired the queen selection committee for many years. He's also competed in many roping events.

Leavitt grew up on the family ranch his father and uncles bought more than half a century ago. They operated Leavitt's Freight out of Springfield, but always hankered after ranch life. The purchase of the Lakeview property saw that dream begin.

Leavitt began competing in rodeos during his youth and continued his chosen sport throughout his adult life. He has primarily worked a rope, but also did time in the dust as a steer wrestler.

He also toured Europe as part of a Western show. On his return, Leavitt saw an opportunity in Sisters and purchased a building on the corner of Cascade Avenue and Elm Street from Sisters pioneers Harold and Dorothy Barclay. He'd left the home ranch at Lakeview to attend business school in Reno and was ready to apply what he'd learned - in the business of selling Western wear.

That business has changed over 40 years.

"People are more selective," he told The Nugget. "That's why we've tried to keep a little more upper end."

Leavitt's has carried some quality, functional ranchwear, but its signature is clothing that anyone would be proud to wear for a night out on the town.

Folks are taking advantage of the big sale to get some of those fancy duds at good prices.

Though he's ready to move on, Leavitt acknowledges that he'll miss aspects of the retail life.

"I'll miss the people, interacting with them, visiting with certain ones. There's no doubt about that," he said. "After 40 years, it's part of your life. It basically is your life, I guess."

Leavitt's is located on the corner of Cascade Avenue and Elm Street in downtown Sisters.