Daniel Edmund Sharps
courtesy photo
Daniel Sharps
JACKSON, WYOMING — Daniel Edmund Sharps, of Jackson, Wyoming, departed this life Aug. 5, 2015, at age 54. Dan was born March 4, 1961, in Durango, Colorado, to Seymour and Ellen Sharps, the second of four children. The family moved frequently throughout the western United States, and Dan graduated from Laramie (Wyoming) High School in 1979 after spending just his senior year there. He then attended the University of Wyoming and graduated with a degree in range management in 1986. Dan began his career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a range conservationist on Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site in southeastern Colorado, a 235,000-acre U.S. Army base. He lived on site, and for 24 years, he took great pride in restoring the grasslands after use by the military in training exercises.
In 2010, Dan transferred to the National Bison Range in Moiese, Montana, as a biologist. There, he initiated efforts to reintroduce native flora to the range, and he especially enjoyed hosting the many students from area schools on field trips. Although dedicated to the Bison Range, in 2013, Dan jumped at the opportunity to join the staff at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming, returning to his specialty of range conservation. Dan’s focus was on range rehabilitation, to provide forage for natural feeding of the wildlife through the winter months. Much progress was made during the two short years he was there. It is a comfort to the family that Dan finished his long career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the Elk Refuge, surrounded by wonderful colleagues and engaged in meaningful work he thoroughly enjoyed.
Dan’s interests were many, mostly related to the natural world, and he was perfectly suited to his chosen field. He belonged to several groups, including the Society for Range Management, the American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society and, most recently, the Elks. Dan was as devoted to his family and friends, as they were to him. He was ever willing to lend a helping hand, often in anticipation of the need. Dan rescued many stray cats through the years, and older Ford pickups also held a special place in his heart.
Dan’s parents, Seymour and Ellen Sharps, of Laramie, Wyoming; sister, Andrea Sharps and her husband Charles Horgan, of Spokane, Washington; brother, Robert Sharps and his partner Charlene Smith of Corning, New York; and sister, Nancy Sharps and her husband Michael Leite, of Chadron, Nebraska, survive him.
The last call Dan made was to his parents, just calling “before I get out of range,” leading us to believe he was at home when indeed he was in the hospital awaiting emergency surgery. Daniel, beloved son and brother, we are so grateful for the years given us to share. We love you and miss you and will for the rest of our lives. May you rest in peace.
A private memorial service will take place later in the year. Those who wish to may make a donation in Dan’s name to a charity of their choice.
