Shawn D Van Riper

Shawn Donald Van Riper, 44 years old of Cheyenne Wyoming, found his way to a better place on February 13, 2022 at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Shawn was born at Bishop Randall Hospital to Barbara Van Riper-Downs and Steve Hart on February 23, 1977 in Lander WY.

Shawn worked for the Laramie County School District Maintenance Department for well over 10 years. He has always had a fascination with fire and became a certified volunteer fireman for the Laramie County Fire District #1. He was a jack of all trades doing handy man projects and maintenance work as a side job.

Shawn always wanted to be a daddy; his dream came true December 2013 when he became a father to Jaxen. Shawn dearly loved that little boy; Jaxen was the light of his life!

Shawn loved anything outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting and riding his Harley. Shawn was a member of the UMF Motorcycle Club, he was proud of their benefit rides and BBQ fund raising efforts. Shawn also loved to shoot pool, throw darts and even won a trip to Las Vegas for a “rock paper scissors” contest. Shawn was known and loved by many. He had a big heart and wonderful sense of humor.

Shawn is survived by his Son, Jaxen Lawrence Van Riper (his mother Samantha) of Cheyenne; mother, Barbara Downs; step father, Randy of Rock Springs WY; sister, Tracie Lowe and husband, Jeremy; he was Uncle Pun to Guy, Brooklyn, Grady, Gavyn and Peyten Lowe of Cheyenne; father, Steve Hart (Lisa) Katie Galvin (Chad), Chris Thurman, Tyler Hart (Stacy), Stephen Jr. Hart (Melissa), Leland Hart, and Morgan Vincent of California; grandparents, Don and Barbara Van Riper of Lander; uncles, Don Van Riper (Edie), Jerry Van Riper (Sue) and Allen (Tara) Van Riper all of Farmington NM. Bob Van Riper (Kathy) Cousin Mitch Barnes of Lander; cousins, Ryan Van Riper (Theresa), Heath Van Riper (Tessa), Angi Nystrom, Matt Borino, Mark Borino, Cori Cassida (Curtis), Brynn Atencio (Pat), Brandon Van Riper (Teresa), Mandy Felix (Jeremy) all of Farmington, NM. Sarah Ferrin (Cody), William Van Riper all of Evanston WY. Tyler Van Riper (Beth) Morocco. Adam Sanchez (Ashley) Riverton WY, Victoria Vanich (Andrew), Joshua Van Riper (Kristi) all of Elko NV; numerous great aunts, uncles, second cousins, and friends.

Shawn was preceded in death by his uncle, Ron Van Riper; great grandparents, Les and Ruth Van Riper, John and Maxine Lyons; grandmother, Victoria Downs; aunt, Becky Van Riper; cousin, Erin Barnes; great uncle, John; great cousin, Laurie Van Riper; and great aunt, Rita.

A fundraiser hosted by the UMF will be held for Shawn on March 12, 2022 at the Eagle’s Nest in Cheyenne. A celebration of life will tentatively be held on April 2nd in Cheyenne and another celebration of life will be held May 28th in Lander WY. All details will be released via Facebook when determined.