John R. Niland, 87, of Cheyenne, died on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at the Davis Hospice Center.
He was born on May 1, 1928 in Rawlins, Wyoming.
Mr. Niland was a sheep rancher and served as a Carbon County Commissioner for 12 years. He was the Director of Planning and Development under Governor Ed Herschler. John was an avid L.A. Dodgers fan, University of Wyoming supporter, Wyoming Historian, and even wrote a book, A History of Sheep Raising in the Great Divide Basin of Wyoming.
He is survived by his wife, Ramona Niland, whom he married in 1975 in Cheyenne; children, Laura Simpson and Colleen Niland, both of California; stepchildren, Dan Dalton of Oregon, Jock Dalton of Colorado, Jon J. Dalton of Nevada, Tracey Dalton of Nevada, and Melanie Dalton of Wyoming; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mr. Niland was preceded in death by a son, Bill Niland; a daughter, Nell Ford; a brother, William Niland; a sister, Katie McDonough; and his parents, William and Gladys Niland.
Per Johnny’s wishes, friends may contribute to the charity of their choice.