Bryant "Cactus" McCleary

Bryant "Cactus" McCleary was born on the Banner Ranch Company southeast of Casper on October 20, 1921 to Mike and Lena (Brooks) McCleary. Growing up on the ranch he spent his childhood exploring the land around the headquarters and working with his parents on the ranch. He attended Natrona County High School, staying with a family in Casper, before going on to the University of Wyoming. While at UW he pledged in the ATO fraternity and started flight school, a passion that would follow him the rest of his life. Cactus also helped form the UW rodeo team.

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He never finished his schooling at the University of Wyoming, returning to the ranch during World War Two. He was in the process of being drafted into the Army, though the end of the war stopped that process. 

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He would make the ranch the center of his passions though he was also a member of several different bands playing a variety of instruments. He carried on his love of flying owned a few different single engine aircraft, most notably his Cessnas. Joining the Flying Farmers of America he would take the family to fly-ins all over the region. 

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He first married Karen Hale and had one daughter, Lynn. He then married Barbara Jane Carr. They would have three children together, Mike, Wendy and Shelly along with Barb's three children from her previous marriage, Floyd, Larry and Sue. 

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He was active on the ranch right up until his passing, giving up his horse for a 4 wheeler and then giving up the 4 wheeler to watch over the place through daily reports from the family given at breakfast at the main ranch house. He would entertain his many grand children with stories from his younger days and always tell them to "keep their noses clean." 

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Cactus passed away at his home on January 16, 2013. ​​​​