Dick Van Pelt

Dick Van Pelt ... A REAL COWBOY.

Born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska June 14, 1945 (Flag Day) Dick began his life as a rancher, then banker, breeder of fine Blue Valentine Quarter horses, team roper, story teller, husband, father of Rick and Leanne, brother, grandfather, uncle, mentor, community volunteer, and FRIEND. He never met a stranger and always offered his massive hand in friendship to everyone.

After leaving the family ranch in Harrisburg, Nebraska, he spent the next 50+ years in Laramie, Wyo., where he graduated from UW, was a banker for over 32 years, ranched, roped, and loved life. In 2017 he and wife Dianne, of 42 years, moved to Wickenburg, Arizona, the "Team Roping Capitol of the World " . He loved Wickenburg, a cowboy town, and often compared it to Laramie.

Dick often said "everyone wants to go to heaven, they just don't want to go today." But on September 29, 2023, he decided it was time to go after fighting COPD for 3+ years. He died surrounded by love, promptly showed up at God's roping arena on his old rope horse Jimmie with favorite dog Buster at his side.

He leaves a huge void in the lives of his family and friends galore. He is buried in Wickenburg.

A Celebration of his life will be held July 17, 2024, at Black Fox on Welsh, 1000 Welsh Lane, Laramie, Wyoming.