Honoring lives well lived

The Wyoming State Flag flew at half staff over Crook County and the Capitol building in Cheyenne on Tuesday in honor of Nels Smith, who passed away following a vehicle accident early this month along with his wife, Jeanette.

The flag at half staff from sunrise to sunset was intended to honor Nels' service to the county and state during his service in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1963 to 1978, including two years as Speaker of the House from 1977 to 1978.

Nels sponsored Resolution 12, the constitutional impact that nullified the impact of any personal income tax if one were ever to be passed in Wyoming. Nels also served on the Wyoming Public Service Commission.

Nels was also president of the Wyoming Taxpayers Association and worked for the formation of a state Budget Adjustment Account, and was an active member of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

“Nels was a remarkable leader and a giant of a man in Wyoming ranching, politics and public service,” said Governor Mark Gordon said. “His insight was enormously helpful to me in my time as treasurer and as Governor.”

Though her work did not take her to Wyoming’s capital, Jeanette was similarly a pillar of our community. Among the services she provided to this county, she is remembered for her service to the Crook County Library Board, her dedication to the community blood drives and her leadership of the Wyoming CattleWomen’s Association and Crook County CattleWomen.