Don Pedlar

Don Pedlar, age 89, of Lander, Wyoming, passed away on December 10, 2025. He was born on July 17, 1936, in Butte, Montana, and carried the spirit of his Montana roots throughout his life.

Early in life he was part of the Navy Reserve for eight years and was elected honor man of his company. He was also a life-long member of the Elks and was very passionate about the community of Lander.

Don will be remembered for his humor, helpfulness, faith and his ability to talk to anyone. He truly never met a stranger.

Don’s strongest ties were always to his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, finding his greatest joy in the lives and accomplishments of those he loved.

After graduating from Montana State University in 1960, Don began working for the Wyoming Game and Fish in 1961. He was passionate about his work as a Limnology Biologist, Supervisor of Water Quality and the Habitat Extension Coordinator. Don dedicated 32 years to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and he took great pride in his work.

In May 1962, Don married Maryellen Trewhella, a Butte girl that his sister introduced him to. The ensuing years began in Buffalo and then to Laramie where all three children were born. In 1968, they moved to Lander and promptly put up a swing set for the kids, before unloading any of their possessions.

Outside of work, Don found joy in family, animals, gardening, camping, hunting, and fly- fishing. As a young Butte boy, he had several pets including rabbits, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, crows, a magpie named “Buckshot” and a pigeon named “Percy.” He was a lifelong walker- simply, in his own words, “for the pleasure it gave him.” For years, he could be seen walking to and from work with his rescue dog, Gymp, faithfully by his side.

Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Maryellen; his children, Kevin (Nubia) Pedlar, Donelle (Tim) Wright, and Lynette (Mark) Hines; his six grandchildren; and his six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Bernice Pedlar, and his sister, Harriet (Bob) Evans.

A memorial service will be held in Lander at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wyoming Wildlife Association, Lander Library, Hospice or the Lander Pet Connection.

Those who knew Don will remember his generous heart, his humor, and the countless ways he made life brighter for others. His legacy lives on in the stories he shared and the people he touched.

Please sign the online guestbook: hudsonsfh.com.