Sublette County lost one of its most colorful, charismatic, and community-minded citizens when Dan Sellon Budd, 88, of Big Piney died on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 in Pinedale, after battling brain cancer. Dan's boundless curiosity, encyclopedic memory, and unique outlook, matched with his love of a good story, made him a valued public servant, cherished friend, and icon of the Western way of life. He was a rancher, a passionate defender of Wyoming water and the Wyoming and U.S. Constitutions, a former Wyoming state representative, an expert on Wyoming water law and the Colorado River Compact, and U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Budd was born in Kemmerer, Wyoming on Feb. 26, 1927, the eldest son of Dan H. Budd and Ada Sharp Budd. Following elementary school on the family ranch, Budd went to work on the ranch. In 1944, at age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was attached the 4th Marine Division, serving in the South Pacific. He returned to Big Piney after the war, worked, rodeoed and completed high school. He briefly attended Utah State University before returning to the ranch he loved. In 1950, after learning of his brother's death in Pusan, Korea, he re-enlisted in the Navy and served in Korea. Following his military service, Budd resumed ranching in Big Piney. In 1956, Budd was married to Barbara Chapman and together they raised three daughters, Karen, Janet and Martha. Dan also became involved with local soil and water conservation districts, eventually serving as State president. He was elected to represent the people of Sublette County in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1981 to 1992. He was a dedicated rancher whose beef was recognized as top quality by the Omaha beef traders. In 2001, the ranch was recognized as a Wyoming Centennial Ranch. He was fiercely proud of his pioneer heritage and was instrumental in documenting the Lander Cut-off Trail, numerous graves, and historical artifacts which traversed their historic ranch on the Middle Piney Creek west of Big Piney. In addition to history, Budd loved downhill skiing with this family, fishing and riding a good horse. He once told Janet that a man should never have to pick up anything heavier than a set of bridle reins. Budd could "out-work" anyone and taught his daughters the value of perseverance. He loved being in his mountains behind the house looking for cattle, finding raspberry patches and spending time with his family. He taught his daughters respect for their elders, love of county and that nothing in life comes without hard work and dedication.
Budd's wife, Barbara, of 51 years, preceded him in death in 2007. In 2010, he married Ann Strand, of Rock Springs, Wyoming. The two former legislators travelled many thousands of miles together exploring various geographies. Dan was welcomed into the extended Smith-Strand family, becoming a dear friend to the seven siblings, twelve step-grandchildren, and five great step-grandchildren. From early on, Dan championed the cause of Wyoming water for the people of Wyoming. In 1965, Wyoming Gov. Clifford Hansen appointed him as alternate commissioner of the Colorado River Commission, and every subsequent Wyoming governor has re-appointed him. Budd struggled to protect Wyoming's 14% share of the Colorado, constantly emphasizing that water demand from the River Compact, has overwhelmed the river's ability to meet the water apportioned to states. A charter member since 1973 of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Forum and Council, Dan helped set the salinity standards for seven states on the Colorado River. In all the years of serving on the Forum and Council, Dan missed only one meeting. Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and Colorado Governor Hickenlooper proclaimed April 28, 2015 as "Dan S. Budd Day" based on his service to Wyoming and his advocacy for protection of Wyoming's water. He is survived by three daughters and their families, Karen Budd-Falen (Frank) of Cheyenne, Janet Beiermann (Bob), of Big Piney, and Martha Braaten, of Chesterfield, Mo.; grandchildren, Isaac Falen (Reva) and Sarah Falen, Clint and Jenny Beiermann, Katy and Elly Braaten, and one great-grandchild (Wesley John Falen). Other survivors include his wife Ann Strand Budd, brothers Carl E. Budd of Aurora, Co., and David (Bonnie) Budd of Big Piney; he was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Barbara and one brother, Malcolm. Budd was a member of the Community Congregational Church of Big Piney, the American Legion Post # 78 of Big Piney, the VFW Post 4801 of Pinedale, and the Big Piney Masonic Lodge #47. Services will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at the Southwest Sublette County Pioneers Senior Citizen Center, 111 Rakestraw Ave., Big Piney, WY 83113. Grave-side services will be held at the Plainview Cemetery, 436 County Road 151, Big Piney. Afterwards, the public is invited to a reception at the Senior Center. Donations in lieu of flowers in memory of Dan can be made to the Sublette County Pioneers Senior Citizen Center, Box 33 Big Piney, WY 83113.