Richard W. Lowndes

Richard ("Rick") W. Lowndes, friend, fighter, champion bareback rider and beloved husband, passed away January 16th at Banner Wyoming Medical Center. He was 66 years old.

Rick was born June 12, 1957, in Grand Junction, Colorado. As a young boy, Rick's family moved to Wyoming where he was raised on a farm outside Casper. It was on this farm Rick became a cowboy, competing in high school rodeo for the Natrona County High School team.

Rick was singular minded and tough as nails. After graduating from Kelly Walsh High School in 1975, Rick worked construction Monday through Thursday then hit the rodeo circuit Friday through Sunday. A rising star on the rodeo pro-am circuit, he racked up buckles (and a little cash) wherever he went.

In 1976, Rick caught the eye of resident beauty, Mary Kuhn. They were 19 years old. They married in November 1978. In addition to riding the rodeo circuit, Rick and Mary's life was spent outdoors hiking and camping. The newlyweds shared many a campfired night.

Rick's life changed forever on August 13, 1980, at a rodeo in Billings, Montana. Following the slack bareback event - which he won - Rick dismounted the horse, lost his footing and fell back, his head smacking the ground. There, in that dusty arena, manure and mites swirling around his face, he briefly lifted his head before falling back, his neck broken. He was never to rise again on his own two feet.

Rodeo prepared Rick for life as a quadriplegic, where courage and fight shaped each day. After the accident, Rick and Mary - still young newlyweds - settled into their new, reimagined lives. Rick designed and built a wheelchair-accessible home in 1983. He returned to school in 1984, receiving a bachelor's degree in construction technology and computer-aided drafting at Casper College.

The greatest of ironies, for a man who literally hated school, Rick was a great student and was on the dean's list each semester. Handicapped students at Casper College have Rick to thank as accessibility issues were a novelty at Casper College (the ADA was not enacted until 1990) and Rick's presence gently forced the college to make changes to accommodate him and future students. Following college, Rick ran his business designing homes from 1987-2000.

Despite his challenges, Rick lived an adventurous life, his handicap never stopping him from the pursuits he loved, hunting elk, deer, antelope and fishing. Mostly fishing.

Even though paralyzed from the neck down, he couldn't help himself by getting into sitcom-worthy predicaments. Friends tell a story of Rick getting his foot stuck in his van, trying to get unstuck and somehow hanging upside down in the garage before a friend just happened to stop by who helped him down. He would drive his van, far into the boonies, wild as a cur, with no concern (or cell service).

This was vintage Rick. He never worried about anything. His laugh easy, his yoke light. Remarkably.

Rick and Mary had a relationship few married couples have. Mary was his soulmate, his best friend. She was also his caregiver, advocate, demonstrating a medical knowledge that often, if not always, surpassed those of Rick's physicians. It was her unwavering devotion that kept Rick alive far longer than anyone expected. Their loyalty to one another was boundless.

Rick was pre-deceased by his parents Ed and Vivian Lowndes, his biological father Richard Miller, and sisters Christe Canfield and Darlene Baker. He is survived by his treasured wife Mary of 45 years; sister Cindy Lara (Casper), brothers Edward and David Lowndes (Casper) and a host of adoring nieces and nephews. A giver 'til the end, Rick donated his corneas so another life may see. One hopes the recipient inherits his rosy outlook. There will be a celebration of life later this spring.

Rick was confident in the path God set before him. He once wrote, "God Blessed me with the opportunity to follow my dreams. Each and every day I continue to follow my dreams 🙏! Let the Cowboys ride!"

It is a measure of a man's character in the aftermath of a devasting injury: One would excuse, even expect, bitterness. Yet, Rick was unburdened by regret, living each day with courage, grit and a heap of humor. But for the rocks, the brook has no song.

We draw strength from Rick's faith. Though never ready, he wasn't afraid to die. He knew he'd be free. We envision him now, wandering the green pasture, the grasses brushing his boots.

He is home.

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