Obituaries

JOHN W. GALLEMORE

John W. Gallemore was born on June 13, 1929 in the family home in Pueblo, Colorado. He passed away at his home in Big Piney, Wyoming on May 10, 2007. John's father, Earl Ray Gallemore, was born at Crow Junction where his father was homesteading. John’s mother, Seeska Alice Sands Gallemore, was born in Lewiston, Montana and grew up in Delta and Cedar Ridge, Colorado. Each of John's parents had two children when they married, six more would follow, for a total of seven boys and three girls in the family. John is survived by two sisters Geri Wilberforce from Texas and Helen Moore from Colorado and a host of nieces and nephews.

John attended elementary school through high school at the Colorado Springs school for the deaf and blind. He was away from home during every school year including his years at Pueblo Junior College while earning an associates degree in music. During the summers he tuned pianos. He received a bachelor of music and teaching degree from Greeley in 1951 and was immediately hired to teach music in Big Piney.

John married Suzanne Cooper in May 1953. The first time they met, Suzanne was Big Piney high school principal and teacher of chemistry, physics, algebra, and trigonometry as well as Spanish I and II. John taught in the Big Piney schools for over 30 years and was, at one time, also acting principal.

John was an active member of the Masonic Lodge in Big Piney and was also a Shriner. Two weeks before he died, John conducted a ceremony for an entered apprentice Mason which included a 45-minute recitation. John required no prompting and demonstrated the keenness of his brain. John was a strong Mason. He recognized the value of the fundamental principles of Masonry. He was a true believer in friendship, morality, and brotherly love.

One of John's favorite times each year was the gathering of friends during hunting season in the Guio's cabin that nestles in a grove of quakies next to Spring Creek. John, himself, did little hunting, but watched over the food and played cribbage and poker with any hunter chased into the cabin by the weather or hunger. John's official duties at camp were to raise and lower the flag and to sing “Danny Boy” — he had a beautiful voice.

John will be remembered as a stalwart, generous friend, totally dedicated through his time and scholarship toward the welfare and progress of the kids in Big Piney. Memorials may be sent to John’s sister Helen Moore, 7 Chicory Ct., Pueblo, CO 81001; to Community Home Care Program, Box 4460, Marbleton, WY 83113, or to the donor’s choice.

VERNON JAMES GILDEA

Vernon James Gildea passed away May 24, 2007 in San Diego, California where he was a resident. He was born in Green River, Wyoming on July 30, 1930 to Jane Brown Gildea and James H. Gildea.

He moved from Green River to Laramie, Wyoming in 1940. Following graduation from Laramie High School in 1949, Vernon entered the Army where he was stationed in Kentucky. After his discharge he married Barbara Conwell on August 2, 1952 at St. Laurence O’Toole Church in Laramie. He entered the University of Wyoming and graduated in 1956 in the field of Civil Engineering. Following graduation he and Barbara moved to North Hollywood, California and then on to San Diego where he was employed with the State of California Department of Transportation. Following a 4-year stay in Visalia, California, Vernon relocated once again to San Diego.

Following an early retirement from the State of California, he and Barbara became active participants in the operation of the Conwell-Gildea ranch near Daniel, Wyoming where they remained as part-time residents. He enjoyed traveling and his weekly classes at the Braille Institute in San Diego.

Vernon was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Barbara. He is survived by his daughter Mary Estes (Keith) of San Diego, son Jon (Sigri) of Fenton, Missouri, and grandchildren Ryan, Hailey and Trevor Estes. At his request, no services were held. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to: The Braille Institute, 4555 Executive Drive, San Diego, Ca. 92121.

JAMES LESLIE MCCORMICK

Les McCormick passed away May 31, 2007 in Pinedale, Wyoming. He was born August 11, 1908 in Choteau, Oklahoma to James and Hattie Mae McCormick. Les moved with his family to Loveland, Colorado. He began working, at a young age, for the Warren Livestock Company, south of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and continued to work there until he enlisted at the beginning of World War II.

During the war, Les was in five major battles and earned five medals, including the Bronze Star. He was discharged October 10, 1945. After being discharged, he returned to work for the Warren Livestock Company. Les married Margaret Elisa Sutt on February 2, 1949 in Denver, Colorado. A daughter, Leslie Jean, was born February 25, 1952 and a son Mac was born April 5, 1957. The McCormick family moved to a ranch owned by John Welborn on Willow Creek north of Cora, Wyoming in 1965.

After retiring, Les spent time enjoying his favorite activities, fishing and cutting firewood. He lived actively and independently in Pinedale during his later years. He is survived by his son Mac and his wife Delta McCormick of Pinedale, Wyoming and granddaughter Megan McCormick of San Antonio, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret; daughter, Jean; his parents James and Hattie; and six brothers and sisters. No services will be held, per Les’ request.

JOHN E. MORLEY

John E. Morley, 63, passed away at his home on May 30, 2007 in Big Piney, WY. He was born August 8, 1943 in Oregon City, OR to Lloyd and Marjorie Morley. He had two brothers and four sisters. He spent his early childhood in Oregon and was actively involved as a Boy Scout. He later moved to Des Moines, WA where he graduated from Mt. Rainier High School in 1961. John studied a year at Central Washington College in Ellensburg, and served his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force as an airplane mechanic. One year of service was spent in Vietnam. He married Deborah Beardlslee in Seattle, WA on March 6, 1970. Together they have one son Michael.

John worked 10 years at Kenworth Trucking Company as a supervisor on the assembly lines wiring cabs and installing gauges and was a member of the Mechanics Union in Seattle. He moved to Star Valley in 1978 and lived in Auburn for 14 years. He had his own auto mechanic business for two years before becoming a permit agent in 1980 for the oil & gas exploration companies. He moved to Big Piney in 1994. The last four years of his life he has been successfully running his own permit business contracting to exploration companies.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping and would go every chance he could. He was an avid reader and a gifted mechanic that could fix anything. He is survived by his wife Debi; son Michael (Linzy) Morley; four sisters; one brother and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Richard; sister-in-law Karen Morley and brother-in-law Dave Caldwell.

John was devoted to his family. He was much loved by his family and his wife’s family and had a special relationship with his mother-in-law Margaret Beardslee. He will be missed by many people spread throughout many states.

Following his wishes, cremation has taken place under direction of Covill Funeral Home. Family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Sublette County Hospice c/o The Sublette Center, P.O. Box 788, Pinedale, WY 82941