Orley Clayton Laurence Pitt, Jr.

Orley Clayton Laurence Pitt, Jr. was born on July 23, 1943, in Houston, Texas, to Orley Clayton Joy Pitt and MaryAnn Mattern Mock. Though he was born in Texas—where Orley Sr. met MaryAnn while serving in the military—the family moved to Lander when he was just six weeks old.

Orley graduated from Fremont County Vocational High School in 1961. During high school, he met and began dating Tanny Jensen. The two were married in October 1962 at Tanny’s home in Sidney, Nebraska, where her family had relocated. Like his parents, Orley put down roots in Lander, where he and Tanny raised their family.

Together, they had four children: Clayleen Rivord (Mark), Owen Pitt, Cache Pitt (Suzanne), and Kaelynn Isaacs (JD). Orley taught his children how to hunt, backpack, and navigate the mountains—skills he loved and was proud to pass on. Time spent outdoors with him became a treasured part of each child’s life.

Orley was also known as an exceptionally hard worker. He was never idle and found great pride in his (self-taught) accomplishments. He instilled a strong work ethic in each of his children through his example of dedication, persistence, and responsibility.

Orley cherished his role as a grandfather and is lovingly remembered by his eight grandchildren: Zachary (Brianna) Rivord, Cameron Pitt, Katie Pitt, Logan Pitt, Ryan Pitt, Lauren Pitt, Brayden Isaacs, and Kanyon Isaacs, who brought him great joy.

At just 18 years old, Orley began working for the United States Postal Service in Lander, where he served faithfully for 44 years. He worked in many roles, from delivery to the front window to sorting mail. Orley knew nearly everyone in town and could tell you who lived at almost any address in Lander.

Orley was deeply service-oriented throughout his life. In 1971 he started volunteering with the City of Lander volunteer fire department and later included work as an EMT. He was also a dedicated scout leader. Though he never advanced far in rank as a youth himself, he was later awarded the Silver Beaver in recognition of his many years of devoted service to young people. Generations of boys learned from him how to find their way through the woods, start a fire with one match, and warm a sleeping bag with a hot rock. The legend of the “Pogo Agie fisherman” lives on in countless stories.

A passionate hunter and outdoorsman, each of his children shared special one-on-one hiking and hunting trips with him. He would dedicate his vacation time to spending days and weeks with each child in the Wind River Mountains. Over the years, he harvested more antelope, deer, elk, and moose than could be counted. It would be only the highly anticipated opportunity to hunt for a mountain sheep that would escape him. As the children left the nest, Orley expanded his outdoor skills to guiding out-of-state hunters on elk hunts.

More than anything, Orley loved being outside. He was backpacking long before it became popular, and he knew the Wind River trails better than anyone. Even late in life, when everyday details would slip away, he could still describe with perfect clarity the bends and turns of every trail he had ever walked.

Orley joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1962, and he and Tanny were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple in September 1965. He served in many callings, including scout leader, high counselor, and bishopric counselor, but his favorite role was teaching Primary. He loved the children and especially loved singing Primary hymns with them. He served in the church until the time of his passing. Orley modeled Christlike kindness and was always willing to serve. He was often the first to arrive at church and the last to leave, because he truly loved visiting with others.

Orley passed away peacefully in his home on February 2, 2026. He leaves behind a trail of friendship stretching across the country and a legacy of service, faith, and kindness. His steady example and love for others will be deeply missed.

Orley is survived by his beloved wife, Tanny Pitt; his four children; his eight grandchildren; his sister, Bobbie Ann; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

A public viewing will be held Thursday, February 12, 2026, 5-7 PM, at Chapel of Mount Hope, Hudson’s Funeral Home, 680 Mount Hope Drive, Lander, Wyoming 82520. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 653 Cascade, Lander, Wyoming 82520. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Orley’s memory to the Lander Valley Fire Department, in honor of his lifelong service to the community.

Please sign the online guestbook at: hudsonsfh.com