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    In loving memory of Ronald G. McKinney

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    A LOVING HUSBAND, FATHER, GRANDFATHER, A GREAT LEADER, BOSS AND FRIEND.

     

    Ronald G. McKinney, 62 of Lander, passed away November 10, 2019 at the Central Wyoming Hospice in Casper. Ron was born in Lander, WY, on October 28, 1957 to William and Jean McKinney. He graduated from Lander Valley High School in 1976. Shortly after he took a job for four years at the uranium mine in Jeffery City before going to work for his father in the family roofing business, McKinney Roofing, eventually taking over the business. He was married to Cheryl Schwager from 1978 -2004 in Lander where they raised their two beautiful daughters, Sarah and Lyndsey. On November 5th, 2005 Ron married Cindy Lockhart. He and Cindy spent the majority of their free time at what some would call the McKinney Aussie Ranch. They were always improving on the house and property where they also raised and loved their four Australian Shepherds. He was a true and loving family man.

    Ron was an avid hunter, snowmobiler, and ATV rider who, after hanging up the family roofing business, went to work for the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources – Trails Program in Lander as a seasonal snowmobile trail groomer in 2005. Ron continued as a seasonal trail crew member working on both winter and summer trails until he was hired as a full-time employee in 2007. He was promoted to Regional Trails Supervisor in 2008 and then promoted again to Trails Program Manager in 2012.

    Ron took over leadership of the State Trails Program at a difficult time when the snowmobile program was facing a funding shortfall. At the time, Wyoming State Snowmobile Association and the Department had been trying, unsuccessfully, for a year or two to get a snowmobile fee increase approved by the legislature. Ron’s down-to-earth demeanor while testifying before legislative committees, along with his passion and commitment to snowmobiling and the Trails Program, helped get that much-needed fee increase approved. As a result, the Trails Program has adequate, stable funding today, is well equipped, has a very talented and dedicated staff, and is serving its trail constituents well because of Ron McKinney’s leadership and passion. Ron absolutely loved the Trails Program and all of its many supporters and partners, and he will certainly be missed by many.

    Ron was preceded in death by his father William McKinney and beloved aunt Irene Bernier. He is survived by his wife and love of his life Cindy McKinney, mother Gloria Jean McKinney, daughters Sarah and Lyndsey McKinney, stepson Nick Pomroy, grandchildren Tatum Bath, Riley Flom, Isabella Diaz, and Miles Pomroy, brothers Kevin, Greg, Steve, and Kim (Kimberlee), sisters Michele Reed (Dave Hoffman), Joan Perry, his aunt Wilma Sharp, numerous nieces and nephews, a host of other family and friends, and his beloved Australian Shepherds.

    A Celebration of Life will be held on November 22, 2019 at Lander United Methodist Church at 11:00. For those who are unable to make the celebration in person a live stream will be available by going to the Lander United Methodist Church website.

    Condolences may be sent to Cindy McKinney, PO Box 1129, Lander WY 82520.

    Memorial donations may be made in Ron’s name to Access Wyoming through the Wyoming State Snowmobile Association.

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