The city of Lander is reeling from the sudden death of Mayor Monte Richardson, who was recognizable by his distinct mustache and admired for his steadfast commitment to his community.

Richardson passed away unexpectedly Wednesday in a hospital out of town, according to sources. The city did not disclose the cause of death. He was 69. 

Mayor Monte Richardson. (City of Lander)

“We have already seen such an outpouring of condolences from members of the community here at City Hall,” Council Member Julia Stuble said hours after the city announced the news. “It’s a testament, I think, to the amount of people who knew Mayor Richardson and were connected to him in so many different ways. He had far-reaching impacts here in the community, and an incredible devotion to Lander and its people.”

He was first elected to mayor in 2018 after serving eight years on the council, and won re-election in 2022. 

He could often be seen driving his red SUV around town, parking it nearly daily outside town hall, and was a staple at community events ranging from parades to picnics, sports games, craft fairs and meetings. He launched a free community pig roast in 2021 to raise awareness of mental health resources and suicide prevention. It became an annual event.

Remembrances amassed on Facebook after the city posted its announcement, reflecting a widespread fondness for Richardson. 

“Disagreements on running a City is natural but I don’t believe anyone could argue that his love, respect and admiration for the City of Lander was paramount and I will forever respect this about him,” posted Ron Hansen, a local business owner. “We had some great discussions over the years, and also some battles but in the end he was always a gentleman that loved his job, his community and his family.”

Lander Mayor Monte Richardson purchases cookies from Lander girl scouts in 2023. (Facebook)

Stuble echoed that he was a consummate civil servant. “He put Lander first, in everything he did,” she said. He was remembered Wednesday also for his kindness and openness to talk about any issue, regardless of how fraught.

The Lander City Council will hold a special meeting on Feb. 18 to appoint a mayor pro tempore and discuss the process set out in the town’s municipal code for appointing a new mayor. 

Richardson was born on Jan. 24, 1956 in Rock Springs, grew up in Green River and had lived in Lander since 1976. He worked for the Fremont County School District 1 for 36 years, was a longtime soccer coach and coached basketball. He had been married to his wife, Debbie, for more than 40 years; they raised three children in Lander. 

Katie Klingsporn reports on outdoor recreation, public lands, education and general news for WyoFile. She’s been a journalist and editor covering the American West for 20 years. Her freelance work has...

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  1. I did not know him, but what I read tells me, we in Wyoming and the World could use a lot more like him. RIP

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  2. I had the privilege of meeting Monte, in his city office, the summer of 2022. I did not have an appointment with him, BUT he made time for me!! That meant a lot to me!! We discussed renewable energy resources (solar & wind), pro & con. He was an advocate for these systems!! He was a good man, & I, for one will miss his emails, texts & calls! May God give his family comfort during this very difficult time!!

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  3. Monte was a big man who died young. All I want to say is, consider for a minute, how many big men you (and I) have known who died too soon.

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  4. Dang, he stopped me the other day in Safeway parking lot (he was in a hurry of course) just to say “Hi Jonas”. Im pretty sure the first memories that I have of school include this dude. I was a north sider and i think he was a principle or some faculty at south side. But his house was on my path to and from school. May you rest in peace Monte. You definitely touched my soul througjout the years.

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  6. Not just Lander, but the State of Wyoming as a whole lost a great leader of the old school. RIP Monty.

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