Bradley Matthew Iiams

Bradley Matthew Iiams, a lifelong Rancher of Lander, WY passed away on December 6, 2020 at Promise Hospital in Salt Lake City Utah as the sun was setting. The Iiams family would like to invite everyone to meet on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Iiams Family homestead located at 111 Iiams Road for a tractor-wagon procession to the Mount Hope Cemetery, a Graveside Service with full burial will follow.

Brad was born March 27, 1948 in Lander, Wyoming to LeRoy Iiams and Marie Alexander (Campbell). He was named after Marie's grandfather, David Bradley and LeRoy's Uncle, Matt. He was born and raised on the pioneer Iiams Ranch located on Table Mountain and where the Wyoming Life Resource Center now sits.

When Brad was 4 years old, his dad bought a small Farmall tractor and he learned to rake hay. From then on he worked in the hayfields with his dad and his brother, Samuel. They ran about 200 head of cattle and 500 head of sheep on the outside permits of Beaver in McGraw Flatts, Government Draw, Strawberry Creek, and Twin Creek. The Iiams Family sold milk and cream in lander from their dairy cows; Brad truly disliked milking those cows and drinking milk.

During his school years, Brad was active in the local 4-H and FFA winning many State awards for both; he was also a high school State champion wrestler. He graduated from the Lander Vocational High School in 1966 and he earned a scholarship went on to Denver Tech. Brad's time in Denver was cut short when his dad passed away on May 9, 1967. Brad returned home from Denver and operated the pioneer Iiams Ranch with his mother until 1971.

Brad married the love of his life, Susan Martin of Lander, WY on March 29, 1972 in the First United Methodist Church of Lander.  In 1972, Brad and Susan purchased the Iiams Ranch from his mother. Brad and Susan were active cattle ranchers though the years, but their focus was always the hay and pasture. Brad and Susan later built a rental trailer home park at the lower Iiams Ranch. Brad did backhoe work digging for neighboring farmers and ranchers, always lending a helping hand. He was very active member and shareholder with the North Lateral Ditch, Parker McBride Ditch and Nicole-Table Ditch Companies. He was one of the first Table Mountain ranchers to install underground water irrigation sprinklers.

Their first child, Jamie Alina was born on February 1, 1979 and Field Tyrel was born May 14 1981. On the day that Field was born, Brad shouted throughout the Lander Hospital "It's a boy!" Brad loved his children with all his heart; he was so proud of them and all their accomplishments.

Brad was a very well-known great musician throughout Wyoming. He had formed the Iiams Band, which was later called the "The Silver Express Band" and played almost every Friday and Saturday night standing on the stage with his guitar and his band members singing the country and old time rock-n-roll tunes. After the large Iiams Ranch barn was built in the 1940's the family hosted several community barn dances and everyone who lived in Fremont County attended the "Iiams Barn Dances." The Iiams barn dances had quite a clientele from around the State from Casper… to Farson… to Cody. Brad and Susan continued the historic barn dances with Brad's band playing the music; they held the last Iiams Barn dance in 1981 with over 300 people in attendance.

Brad and Susan designed and built a beautiful two story log home where the old Iiams Ranch pioneer home was located. They were the first to purchase logs from Wyoming Wood Products in Lander and Brad was the first to tell them the saw was not cutting square. Brad completed the filing on the Iron Spring and piped it into their home by hand and with his backhoe. Building the house was one of Brad's proudest accomplishments, he would always say "look at this beautiful house." Brad and Susan, remained in the house together until he passed.

Susan, Jamie, Field, LeeAnn, Xane and Reece continue to live on the Iiams Ranch to this day working the land with pride and honor just as Brad had. One of Brad's greatest joys was helping his son build his own shop and house; and seeing Jamie become a first generation college graduate. Holding his grandson's, Xane Bradley and Reece Jerome in his arms was one of his most cherished moments; he loved both his grandson's. Brad loved a good home cooked meal, playing his music, driving his tractor and most of all his family; he will be missed dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, LeRoy Iiams; his brother, Samuel Iiams; grandparents, Roy and Christine Iiams, and Morris and Gladys Alexander; aunts, Emily Iiams Hedges, Betty Iiams Hornecker and Charlotte Alexander; and uncles, Barney Alexander and Albert Hornecker.

Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Susan Iiams; daughter, Jamie Iiams; son, Field (LeeAnn) Iiams; grandson's, Xane Bradley and Reece Jerome Iiams; his mother, Marie Alexander Campbell; Wainwright Gustin, who has always been like a father to Brad; Brother-In-Law, Jay Martin; Step-brother, Colin (Sandy) Campbell; nephew, Robby Martin; niece, Jennifer Martin, great-niece Annabelle Martin: great-nephews, Bodhi and Monte Ranelle; niece, Krista (Cole) Nethercott & children; niece, Colleen (Jake) Conilogue & children; and numerous other cousins, family, and friends.

Condolence flowers, cards and/or memorial donations to Xane and Reece Iiams college fund may be mailed or delivered to - The Iiams Family at 28 Iiams Road, Lander WY 82520 or be brought up at the time of the service. Condolence flowers and/or cards for Brad's mom may be mailed or delivered to Marie Campbell at 150 Caring Way, Lander, WY 82520.

Online guestbook: www.hudsonsfh.com