Obituaries

Jack D. Richardson

Jack put on his cowboy hat, saddled up his horse, and took along ride into the wild blue yonder late the evening of March 29, 2006. It was the end to a long, courageous battle, but the beginning of a lasting legacy.

Jack was born Dec. 28, 1930, in Swisher County, Texas, near a place called Sad Monkey. He was one of seven children that included three brothers and three sisters. He spent his carefree childhood days enjoying life’s hard lessons – the Great Depression and Dust Bowl of the 1930s when his family was too poor to attempt the “grapes of wrath” trail toward California with other relatives.

Always courageous, always adventurous and always independent, Jack ventured on his own after returning from his tour of duty in Germany after World War II. At first he stayed close to his family, then hemoved to Burlington, Colo. After that, in the mid 60s, he discovered Pinedale. He created a beautiful ranch where he could overlook his beloved Pine Creek and watch the sun set behind the mountains. Jack loved nothing more than to be outdoors.

Cowboy to the core, there was never a time when hard work was not his friend. He worked for what he loved, and he loved what he worked for. With most of his years spent working the land, he had the true pleasure of enjoying so much of God’s country.

In 1991 Jack met the love of his life, Cecilia. He fell overhills for her and when she bought an organic pecan orchard in New Mexico, he moved in with her. Later they purchased a Bosque where they had the most rewarding experience of raising goats.

Cecilia was from Brazil and had a ranch of her own in the lush Brazilian interior. Over the last few years they enjoyed their ranch in Brazil, where Jack loved spending his time riding his precious mule, Chumbadinha, who kicked him at least once a day! They improved the primitive land to a good working ranch and ran a large herd of Nelore cattle which are cared for by Cecilia’s brother, Afonso. In November 2004, when they were set to begin spending the winter working their cattle, Jack was diagnosed with lung cancer and wasn’t able to return but once, last June. Jack intended to be back in Brazil this coming August to see the heifers calve.

Throughout the years, Jack has generated a legacy of honor, trust and love. He approached life as a game, which he was determined to win. He was a tough and formidable adversary, but yet was a strong ally and the truest friend a person could have. He was sometimes flamboyant, part showman, part businessman and always the entertainer, plumb full of energy, and the subject of interest where ever he went.

He had the most remarkable attitude, adversity was merely an inconvenience to him, and even until his last days, he would say he “never had a bad day.”

Though his loved ones celebrate his life, he will be truly missed. He is survived by his wife, Cecilia Richardson; his stepchildren, Chantal and Jonathan Haidsiak; his daughter, Ricki Kelley; his sons, Robin and Gary Richardson; and many other family and friends.

Though he has ridden into the sunset of this worldly life, the many memories he leaves behind will be cherished forever. And someday we will, once again, see those boots, the buckle and that hat that by now, surely, God himself must be admiring and enjoying by heaven’s campfire ... What a beautiful welcome it will be!

Lauren Kay Kelly

Lauren Kay Kelly, 61, of Rock Springs passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at her home. A life-long resident of Rock Springs, Mrs. Kelly died following a sudden illness.

She was born on Jan. 7, 1945, in Rock Springs, the daughter of Lawrence and Edith DeCora.

Mrs. Kelly attended school in Rock Springs and was a 1963 graduate of the Rock Springs High School. She also attended Western Wyoming Community College.

She married Howard T. Kelly in Rock Springs on Feb. 8, 1964.

Mrs. Kelly was the co-owner and operator of Kelly’s Rentals and was the former owner of Wyoming Club Bar. She was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church.

Her interests were spending time at their cabin in Cora, spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren, reading, cooking, gardening and her investments. She was one who everyone leaned on.

Survivors include her mother, Edith DeCora of Rock Springs; her husband, Howard T. Kelly of Rock Springs; two sons: Scott Kelly and Brian Kelly and wife Karin, all of Rock Springs; one daughter, Janet Kelly of Rock Springs; one brother, Joe DeCora and wife Jean of Rock Springs; three grandsons: Timothy Kelly, Kayle Kelly and Kayden Kelly; three granddaughters: Megan Gabol, Melissa Gabol and Shelby Gabol; one great-aunt, Mary Radosevich; one aunt, Joyce Oliver; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, uncle and aunt Kaiser and Vera Elich; grandparents Joseph and Katie Decora.

The family suggests that donations in her memory be made to Holy Spirit Catholic School, P.O. Box 6038, Rock Springs, Wyo., or St. Joseph’s Childrens Home, P.O. Box 1117, Torrington, Wyo., 82240-1117.