A Life Remembered, A Legacy Continued

I’ve been trying to put pen to paper to share an update on everything going on here at the ranch, but every time I do, tears spring to my eyes. But I’ll try.

Where It All Began

In 2013, Brandon and I moved back to the ranch. We started West Cattle Company in 2014, just selling beef to friends and family. Over time, that little idea began to grow.

Back then, we were both still working full-time in Cheyenne. I was with the Wyoming Department of Education as an education consultant, and Brandon was working in environmental consulting. At the time, coming back to the ranch didn’t feel like an option — financially or practically. We thought we’d build our life in Cheyenne. But when we couldn’t sell our home in Wright, we made the decision to move into one of the ranch houses — the same one we still call home after 12 years.

A Shift in the Story

Everything changed in 2020, when my father-in-law was diagnosed with prostate cancer. At first, it seemed treatable. He went through radiation, but we later found out it had spread to his lymph nodes. That diagnosis changed everything.

Brandon reduced his hours at work to help more on the ranch, and we began growing our small cow-calf herd. As his father’s health declined, Brandon made the decision to leave his job entirely and commit to the ranch full time. It was a risk — and there were some very lean years for our family. I was still working at that time, before we had children. When we did, I made the decision to stay home with them.

Slowly, West Cattle Company grew into something that helped sustain us — not just financially, but emotionally. It gave us the ability to be where we were most needed, when we were most needed.

The Loss That Changed Us

This spring, after a five-year journey, we lost my father-in-law to cancer.

It’s still hard to speak about. But I want to take this moment to honor a man who meant so much to me. He took me under his wing and taught me what it means to be a rancher — and more than that, what it means to be a kind, decent human being.

At his memorial, the church was overflowing. People stood outside, crowding onto the porch to hear the pastor speak. That’s the kind of man he was — someone who gave his time freely, never expected anything in return, and always welcomed you in with a cup of coffee and a place at the table. Time didn’t matter to him. People did.

I see that same kindness in my husband now. And I pray I will see it in our children as they grow.

Bittersweet Joy

Alongside this grief, there has also been so much joy — joyful news and big announcements that I’ll be sharing soon. Because that’s life, isn’t it? Joy laced with sorrow. Grief woven through gratitude.

Thank You

I want to thank you, dear customer, for supporting West Cattle Company. Your support gave Brandon and me the chance to come home during those precious final years. Because of you, we were able to be here — to offer our hands, our time, and our love.

Without West Cattle Company, we’d still be in Cheyenne. We’d still be working city jobs. But instead, we got to be here. And that is a gift we’ll never take for granted.

In closing, I’d like to share his obituary — a tribute to a beautiful man who taught me more than I can put into words. A man I’ll see again in heaven.

https://www.gormanfh.com/obituary/TIMOTHY-WEST