1955
Richard
2024
Richard "Dick" Lake
June 28, 1955 — March 20, 2024
Cheyenne
Richard "Dick" E. Lake, a beloved father, grandfather, friend, and community member, passed away on March 20, 2024 at his ranch in Burns, Wyoming, after a lengthy battle with illness. He was born in Rawlins, Wyoming, on June 28, 1955, to Monte Joseph Lake and Laura Ann (Williams) Lake.
Throughout his life, Dick was known for his vibrant personality and love for socializing. Friends affectionately called him "Magpie" for his lively conversations. His infectious sense of humor and collection of dirty jokes brought joy to all who knew him. Dick had a deep appreciation for nature; he enjoyed hunting, searching for arrowheads, and feeding wild birds on his ranch. His fondness for animals extended to his beloved dogs Neva, Reba, and Misty. Dick stated he "never met a critter he didn't like".
Professionally, Dick dedicated 27 years of service as an Engineer for Union Pacific Railroad. In his retirement, he actively participated in various organizations such as the Board of Burns Fire Department and held lifelong memberships with clubs such as the North American Hunting Club, Foxtrotting Horse Breed Association, and the Elks Club. He also belonged to Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Dick's commitment to community service was recognized when he received the "Role Model" award from Cathedral Home for Children in 1999, for his success as an adult after having graduated from their program in 1972.
Family was at the core of Dick's life. He not only adored his daughters Melissa (Jason) Custer (McMinnville, OR) and Tanya (Michael) Madsen (Torrington, WY) but also served as a legal guardian to Devon Hedrick (Huntsville, AR) and DJ Rupp (Cheyenne, WY). His grandchildren Alexis, Andrew "AJ," & Aaron, and great-grandchildren Jasper and Azalea were the light of his life. Dick is survived by siblings Laura Lee Lake (Casper, WY), Monica Jo Lake (Lacey, WA), and Robert E. Lake (St. Genevieve, MO) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, an infant brother John Monte Lake, and sisters Anita Vasquez & Diane Lake.
In honoring Dick's memory, let us celebrate a life well-lived—a life marked by laughter, love for family, passion for nature, and dedication to serving others. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
At his request, there will be no funeral. The family will gather for a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Cathedral Home for Children via this link https://www.cathedralhome.org
Throughout his life, Dick was known for his vibrant personality and love for socializing. Friends affectionately called him "Magpie" for his lively conversations. His infectious sense of humor and collection of dirty jokes brought joy to all who knew him. Dick had a deep appreciation for nature; he enjoyed hunting, searching for arrowheads, and feeding wild birds on his ranch. His fondness for animals extended to his beloved dogs Neva, Reba, and Misty. Dick stated he "never met a critter he didn't like".
Professionally, Dick dedicated 27 years of service as an Engineer for Union Pacific Railroad. In his retirement, he actively participated in various organizations such as the Board of Burns Fire Department and held lifelong memberships with clubs such as the North American Hunting Club, Foxtrotting Horse Breed Association, and the Elks Club. He also belonged to Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Dick's commitment to community service was recognized when he received the "Role Model" award from Cathedral Home for Children in 1999, for his success as an adult after having graduated from their program in 1972.
Family was at the core of Dick's life. He not only adored his daughters Melissa (Jason) Custer (McMinnville, OR) and Tanya (Michael) Madsen (Torrington, WY) but also served as a legal guardian to Devon Hedrick (Huntsville, AR) and DJ Rupp (Cheyenne, WY). His grandchildren Alexis, Andrew "AJ," & Aaron, and great-grandchildren Jasper and Azalea were the light of his life. Dick is survived by siblings Laura Lee Lake (Casper, WY), Monica Jo Lake (Lacey, WA), and Robert E. Lake (St. Genevieve, MO) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, an infant brother John Monte Lake, and sisters Anita Vasquez & Diane Lake.
In honoring Dick's memory, let us celebrate a life well-lived—a life marked by laughter, love for family, passion for nature, and dedication to serving others. His legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
At his request, there will be no funeral. The family will gather for a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Cathedral Home for Children via this link https://www.cathedralhome.org
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