Memorial Fund

Steve Kilpatrick, a dedicated conservationist and retired Wyoming Game and Fish habitat biologist, passed away in Lander, Wyoming, leaving a legacy of dedication to preserving Wyoming’s natural heritage.

Born in Neligh, Nebraska, Steve’s early connection to nature instilled a lifelong commitment to wildlife and habitat conservation. After earning his degree in wildlife biology, Steve began his career with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in 1978, eventually serving as the habitat area supervisor for the Jackson, Pinedale, and Green River regions. Throughout his tenure, he led numerous interagency initiatives to balance the needs of agricultural producers and wildlife, positively impacting over 530,000 acres of habitat in northwest Wyoming.

Following his retirement, Steve remained active in conservation through his work with the Teton Science School, Wyoming Wildlife Federation, and Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation. He also served on the board of the National Bighorn Sheep Center, contributing his expertise to the preservation of this iconic species. In his free time, Steve could be found doing what he loved most, exploring the backcountry and making memories with family, friends, and his four-legged companions.

Steve’s remarkable contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Craighead Wildlife Conservation Award, Wyoming Wildlife Federation Habitat Conservationist of the Year, Wild Sheep Foundation Outstanding Conservationist Award, and Wyoming Chapter of the Wildlife Society Outstanding Mentor Award. In 2025, he was honored with induction into the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame, celebrating his remarkable impact on the State’s outdoor heritage.

Steve survived by his family, including his partner Sarah Dewey, children Jennifer (Nick) Scribner of Lander, WY, Stephanie (Brian) Oland of Lander, WY, Josh (Kelli) Kilpatrick Etna, WY, and grandchildren (Callia Scribner,  William, Isaac, and Michael Oland, and  Emily & Levi Kilpatrick), who continue to uphold his legacy of environmental stewardshipand his  Brother James (Janet) Kilpatrick of Neligh, NE. A celebration of life will be held to honor Steve’s life and contributions to conservation at the Dubois, WY Town Park/ NBSC on August 23, 2025, at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, and if you feel so inclined, the family requests that donations be made to the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation in Steve’s memory. Donations can be made at: Donate To Steve’s Project

The family is also collecting stories you’d like to share at Share Your Stories.

Steve Kilpatrick’s legacy serves as an inspiration to all who value the preservation of our natural world. His unwavering commitment to wildlife, passion for mentoring the next generation of conservationists, and love of Wyoming landscapes leave an indelible mark on the state and many communities.

Life Member Bill Gerhart was overjoyed to receive a hunt area 5 bighorn sheep tag this year. He called on his friends to accompany him on the first hunt of the season.  He also made a contribution to the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation’s Conservation fund to honor his friends.

From Left: Gary Butler, Pat Pace, Tanner Pace, Bill Gerhart, Scott Butler and Chance Butler – All Life Members!

Ramshorn Society Life Member #028, Craig Kling is retiring from his position with Logan Simpson as a Senior Biologist. Since Craig is a frequent volunteer and supporter of the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, the firm thought it would be the most appropriate to donate in his name as his retirement gift.  We all hope that Craig, who joined Wyoming Wild Sheep in 1997 will not retire from active duty with us.  Congratulations Craig!

DAVID CHARLES LOCKMAN

1947-2022

Dave Lockman earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Range Management from Colorado State University in 1969 and a Master of Science degree in Avian Biology from CSU in 1971.  He worked as a field biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) for nineteen years and retired from the Department as Education Supervisor after thirty-two years of service.

During his tenure as a wildlife biologist, Dave made significant contributions to Wyoming’s wildlife, whether it was testing new data collection techniques for big game or improved management techniques for waterfowl.  Dave had a great interest in wetlands and waterfowl.  He was the WGFD Western Wyoming Waterfowl Manager for many years, restoring and expanding trumpeter swan populations in Wyoming.  He conducted inventories and population surveys, designed management plans, initiated the wetland mapping and classification system used by USFWS for Wyoming wetlands, organized the first Rocky Mountain Trumpeter Swan Population Management subcommittee for the U.S. and Canada, organized the Whooping Crane Management and Recovery Effort for Wyoming, and authored or co-authored numerous technical articles during his career.

While Education Supervisor, Dave prepared and supervised the implementation and management of over 20 cooperative agreements with Wyoming communities and developed over 50 interpretive education projects, supervised the development of the Outdoor Recreation Education Opportunities program for Wyoming schools, coordinated the establishment of the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, Wyoming, and created wildlife viewing sites across the state as part of the “Wyoming’s Wildlife-Worth the Watching” program.  He planned and developed the first Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Heritage Exposition hosted by the Department.  This became an annual event in Wyoming for over 13,000 families and youth annually.  He co-authored the “Outdoor Expo Planning Guide”, a collaborative effort between the Weatherby Foundation, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and WGFD.  This guide was a practical handbook for states desiring to produce an Outdoor Expo.  In 2003 he became the project leader for the Weatherby Foundation’s North American Outdoor Expo Campaign.  This included providing planning assistance to states and managing a national grant program for funding support to states.  As a result, twenty-two states implemented Outdoor Expo education events, reaching 350,000 participants annually. 

Since his retirement from the Department, Dave worked as a private consultant on numerous intensive wildlife and habitat surveys, habitat evaluations, and designed and implemented wildlife habitat improvement projects for private landowners and the oil and gas industry.  Dave will long be remembered for his tireless efforts with management plans for Pathfinder Ranches, wetland development and designs, habitat inventories and mule deer mitigation work on the Jonah Oil Field, and the Bridger-Teton Forest internship for ecology and forest management.

Dave Lockman was inducted into the Wyoming Outdoor Hall of Fame in 2014. 

WILLIAM “BUTCH” TOWNSEND III
OCT. 1, 1938-AUG.26, 2021
It is with heavy hearts and deep sympathy for the Townsend family that we report of his passing. Butch was RHS Life Member #177. Butch was also a charter member of WSF and served on the board of directors of that organization during the 1990s. A firm believer in promoting youth and the conservation fund, Butch always was the first to raise his hand to provide youth life memberships and to add to our conservation fund.
During our 2021 convention Butch told Gary Butler that he planned to donate every year to the conservation fund because it ensured the foundation would be successful for generations to come. Gary and Jo Butler have donated $1000 in Butch’s memory to the fund and challenge others to do the same. The WY-WSF Board of Directors have matched the Butler contribution with a $1000 pledge as well.
Donations(large or small) should be mailed to: P.O.Box 666, Cody, WY. 82414. Donors may also visit our store page at: Donate  or contact Dean DiJenno at (307)213-0998.

Obituary

Huey Dawson

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for Huey Allan Dawson who passed away on November 9, 2022, at his home north of Wheatland, Wyoming.

Huey was the eldest son of Everett Jackson Dawson and Leota Maxine (Kindt) Dawson. He was born and grew up in Wheatland, additionally he attended his schooling in Wheatland and graduated from Wheatland High School in 1957.  Huey was married to Lena Maria (Balzan) Dawson for 60 years.  They were blessed with two sons Dale and Donna and grandson Dante’ Dawson, William (Billy) and Chrissy and granddaughters Gavrielle and Bianca Dawson all of Wheatland, Wyoming; grandson Will and Brooke (Dannels) of Cheyenne Wyoming.   Huey began working for Wyoming Game and Fish in the summer of 1955 when he was a junior in high school and worked alongside Floyd Blunt at Sybille Wildlife Reserve in Sybille Canyon. After high school, he attended the University of Wyoming and earned his Bachelor’s degree in range management.  He served his entire Game and Fish career at Sybille, starting as a technician before his promotions to biologist and supervisor.  During his time at the Game and Fish, Dawson earned an international reputation for the big game handling and rearing techniques he developed at Sybille.  He dedicated his career to the Game and Fish for 36 years.  He retired from the Game and Fish in June of 1994.  Huey was remembered by many fellow members of the Game and Fish for his “friendly and easygoing manner”  which  rewarded him with lifelong friendships and offered great leadership and innovation which made Sybille Wildlife and Research and Education Unit a successful research and conservation facility for many years.Huey was a member of the Army National Guard. He enlisted in November of 1956.  During his time with the National Guard he was an Assistance Section Chief and was awarded the Expert Medal in Rifle.  Huey was Honorably Discharged on November 22, 1963Huey was very kind, hardworking and enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors.   Huey had a great love for animals and he enjoyed his registered longhorn cattle in later years.  Huey can always be remembered by others as having a kind word to say or helping hand to give to anyone.  He would like to be remembered as a “hard worker, a good husband and father who loved and appreciated his children, grandchildren and other family members.”Huey is survived by his son Dale (Donna) and grandson Dante; son Billy (Chrissy) and granddaughters Gavrielle and Bianca, all of Wheatland, Wyoming; grandson Will (Brooke) Dawson of Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Huey is also survived by his sister Winnie Atterbury, brother Jay (Della) Dawson both of Wheatland.  He is also survived by his sister Billie Nimsgern of Providence Rhode Island and sister Betty (Jon) Bagenstos of Cedar Falls, Iowa.  He was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years Lena Marie (Balzan) Dawson, his sister Connie Stiviason, his parents Everett Dawson and Leota (Kindt) Dawson Throckmorton and infant son Rex Dawson. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he enjoyed visits from frequently.     Huey requested that any memorial contributions be made to the Wheatland High School Rodeo Club.

In Loving Memory of  Robert (Bob) Jacob, RHS LM #88

May 20, 1942 – March 26, 2024

Robert (Bob) William Jacob, 81, of Lander WY, passed away March 26, 2024 at his home surrounded by family. He was born May 20, 1942, to Robert William Sr. and Pearl (Lee) Jacob in Hailey, Idaho.

Bob attended school in Flagstaff, Arizona, and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a BS in Forestry on May 25, 1964. After college, Bob moved to Meeteetse, WY where he was an assistant forest ranger and in charge of tagging elk. He and his family then moved to Lander, WY where he worked for the US Forest Service. After a few years, he resigned and had various jobs, including working as a rancher at the Double A Ranch in Lander. He went on to pursue his love of hunting where he and Howard Killebrew started an outfitting/guide business. His final career was going back to work for the US government, Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Bob was a lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep. He was a true horseman, avid hunter, and flyfisher. If you wanted to know about hunting areas, your go-to guy was Bob. From the Red Desert to the Dunoirs and in between, he had a wealth of knowledge regarding all of the hunting areas, his honey holes, names of creeks, rivers, trails, wildflowers, and all of the habitats. Bob was truly the happiest when he was on his horse in the mountains. If Bob wasn’t in the mountains, he and his wife Gayle could be found at the Elks Club enjoying a Keystone (before Keystone was cool) with their friends. He loved the Denver Broncos, was a country music fan of George Jones, Tammy Wynette and Dolly Parton. For over 20 years Bob and his wife, along with friends traveled to the NFR in Las Vegas- sometimes coming home with more money than they left with! Bob touched many lives throughout his life and will forever be loved and missed by his family and long-time friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gayle, sister Suzanne Kennedy, his two favorite mules, Star and Whiskey and beloved horse, Cedarbuck.

He is survived by his son, Dale Jacob (Wendy), daughter, Sheri Cox (Brian Mehrer), step-children, Pat Abeyta- Smith, Paula Abeyta and Hope Abeyta. Grandchildren: Kelsey (Christopher) Warren, Holly (Zac) Grusendorf, Chloe (David) Bridges, Baylee Smith, Chartess Arroyo, Joaquin Arroyo, Job Abeyta, Jessica (Chad) Hopkins, Jacob Eppler, Jude Eppler as well as 14 great-grandchildren- including his namesake great-grandson, Ira Jacob Warren. Nieces, Robbi (Michael) Wyatt, Dori (Roy) Nelson, and Buffi (Bruce) Robinson.

Orville “AL” Benton, father of Cole Benton passed away February 5th,2017 at the age of 90. He served in WWII in Japan and the Korean Conflict. For over 65 years Al paid his respect for fellow veterans who have passed by taking part in the Military Honor Guard. He was honored last fall as the Grand Marshall of the Buffalo Veteran’s Day Parade. Al and wife Jenny were huge supporters of the WY-WSF for many years. Al was WY-WSF life member #130. He left behind 8 WY-WSF Life members spanning four generations.

Obituary