Lyle Wesley Brunson

In the rugged heart of Cheyenne, Wyoming, a true son of the West lassoed the spirit of wilderness and freedom until the very end. Lyle Wesley Brunson, born on January 22, 1963, in Buffalo, Wyoming (at a balmy 27 degrees below zero), passed from this world on December 15, 2025. Known for his rugged charm and a heart as big as the open skies, Lyle was a man who lived for the outdoors, adventure, and the thrill of life.

Lyle roamed the lands as an artist of nature, having worked various jobs that allowed him to express his creativity and independence. He was a tile setter by trade, a semi-truck driver who felt the hum of the road in his bones, and a ranch hand on different breeds of ranches, including those with the mighty buffalo, ostrich, and cattle. His life was paved with the kind of grit and tenacity that only those born a century too late could embody, dressing as if he had just stepped out of a scene from Tombstone, Arizona. Friendly and approachable, he held conversations with a drawl that added a touch of authenticity to his many tales.

From childhood, Lyle was drawn to the great outdoors. He thrived in the wilderness, whether it be living in a cave, hiking the rugged trails, hunting in the wilds, tracking elusive wildlife, or simply exploring the mountainous terrains that brought him joy. His zest for life didn’t stop there; Lyle was known to pop in on friends to whisk them away for spontaneous drives or to unveil a picturesque new mountain vista. His spirit was that of an adventurer, always in search of the next horizon. As a fire fighter in the mountains of Wyoming, Lyle fought to protect the land he cherished.

Educated at Wheatland High School, Lyle also earned his Commercial Driver’s License, which complemented his hitch in life on open roads. Despite any hard knock life threw at him—most notably a wild stint with rodeo bronc riding that broke his back—he stood resilient, carving his path with the gentleness of a prairie breeze and the fierce loyalty of a brother. 

During his final moments, Lyle was surrounded by the love of those he cherished most, including his devoted partner Sandy Heckman and their loyal cattle dog, Wyatt. The swift passage of time could not sever their bonds; friends and family had the chance to bid farewell, sharing memories and stories that would live on in their hearts.

Lyle leaves behind his mother, Kay Todd, and her spouse, Lynn Todd, alongside his brother, sister, nephew, son, and daughter, as well as a wide-ranging circle of aunts, uncles, and cousins who will forever remember his wild spirit. His beloved father, Kenneth Brunson, alongside Lyle's soul dog, Tuffy, and his grandparents, have all gone on ahead, waiting for the day they will share tales again under the starlit sky.

As we gather to reminisce about Lyle Wesley Brunson, let us raise a toast (bottle of Bud, flask of whiskey) to his adventurous life, his loyalty, and the wild spirit he embodied. May he roam eternally free, forever chasing the next sunset across the open range.

If you've a hankerin' send some cash to those mighty kind folks at the Laramie Peak Fire Zone. Those flowers are gonna die right quick, those cards'll just end up in the bin.

Celebration of life planned for a mountain top in June.