GEORGE WALTER PORTWOOD

“We trailed ‘em all day, in the heat and the dust.

Breathin’ that alkali, ‘til you thought you would bust.

We could tell by the moon, it was shore gittin’ late,

When we pushed that last cow, through the North Ringsby gate.”

“Trailin’ to Summer Grass”

By George Portwood

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of George

Walter Portwood. He crossed through his last gate on June 15, 2026 at the age of 88.

Born on November 12, 1937 at Four Corners, Wyoming, he lived the life of a “True”

cowboy.

In October of 1960 George began serving his country in the Army National

Guard. He was honorably discharged from service as a Sergeant in July of 1966. From

1964-1969, he was a truck driver. From there he moved into the career that became his

real passion - ranching. George began his career with True Ranches in Rock River,

Wyoming. In 1973, George became the ranch foreman of True Ranches Double Four

Ranch located at the base of Laramie Peak outside of Wheatland, Wyoming. Cattle and

horses were his true love, and he called that ranch home for 32 years.

George was involved in the small community of that mountain. He was always

ready to lend a neighbor a helping hand. People in that community looked out for one

another. George did his part by also being the fire warden of the rural fire department for

that area. He believed strongly in protecting the land that held such a special place in

his heart.

George had a strong belief in the value of hard work. “Anything worth doing is

worth doing well.” Words of wisdom from a true icon of ranch life. That is the lesson he

taught his children and the code he lived by. No one has ever worked as hard as he did.

George is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Lillian Portwood, and

siblings Myron Portwood, Duane Portwood, and Janice Portwood.

George leaves behind his three children: daughter Elizabeth Bishop, son Glenn

Portwood (Cindy Moore), and daughter Nancy Taylor (Jon Potter). He also leaves

behind 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren: Nicholas Bishop, Benjamin Bishop,

Britani Bishop (Leo Halsey, Zander Halsey), Kirtus Portwood (Nora Wells, Westley

Wells), Jennifer Hixson, and Justin Lema. George is survived by two siblings as well:

Letha Coleman and Sylvia Babington, He is also survived by long time companion

Bonnie Parker.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 10:30 am at the

Wheatland Cemetery. This will be followed by a celebration of life luncheon at the

Moose Lodge in Wheatland, Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the

Laramie Peak Fire Zone.

“But I guess I’ll keep on workin’,

‘Til my days on earth are through.

Then I’ll look down from Heaven’s door,

At the rest, of aging, you.”

“Gittin’ Older”

By George Portwood

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