Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

George Banks "Skip" Waters

George Banks "Skip" Waters, 71, of Moorcroft, Wyoming, passed away September 17, 2021, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital of COVID-19 complications. Skip was born March 23, 1950 in Douglas, Wyoming, to Albert "Coop" Waters and Elizabeth Tapster Waters.

Skip moved to Keyhole Ranch with his parents and paternal grandparents, Fred Van Waters and Millie Gerig Waters because of construction of the Glendo, Wyoming, reservoir on the family ranch in 1954. Skip went to Cedar Hill country school through sixth grade.

He graduated from Moorcroft High School in 1968 and married the love of his life, Vanna Dee Blakeman on August 17, 1968. To this union was born three sons: Vincent Lee Waters, Eric Austin Waters and Ward William Waters.

Skip worked hard helping his dad fulfill his dream of a golf course and an airport on the west side of Keyhole Reservoir. Skip served on many advisory boards in Crook County and the Pine Haven Community.

He served on the Weed and Pest Board and was instrumental in the formation of the Crook County Irrigation District. He was active in the formation of the national Ranchers-Cattlemen's Action Legal Fund (R-Calf) and had never missed an annual meeting for the past 22 years.

He was proud of the ten years he spent lobbying in Washington, DC about agriculture issues through the Powder River Basin Resource Council, the Wyoming affiliate of the seven state Western Organization of Resource Councils.

He and Vanna were fortunate to go on an Alaskan Cruise for their 40th wedding anniversary and to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary. Shortly before his passing they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.

Skip is survived by his wife, Vanna; their three sons, Vince (Sheryl) Waters, Eric (Becky) Waters and Ward (Kristy) Waters; three grandsons, Russell (Melissa) Waters, Brody (Anna) Water and Cooper Waters; two granddaughters, Brooklyn (Dalton) Fenstermacher and KyAnne Karrels; two great granddaughters, Teigan Fenstermacher and Sawyer Waters; and five great grandsons, Liam Fenstermacher, Vincent Cash Waters, Tanner Richards, Brady Richards and Aiden Richards.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to benefit R-Calf USA, P.O. Box 30715, Billings, MT 59107 or the Pine Haven Fire Auxiliary, P.O. Box 519, Moorcroft, WY 82721.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, September 24, 2021 at the Pine Haven Cemetery. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service at Keyhole Country Club.

Memorials may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at http://www.gillettememorialchapel.com