Clear, 37° F
(Aug. 13, 1958 - Feb. 10, 2011)
John Lawrence Hogg, 52, died Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011, surrounded by his loving family, after a valiant fight with cancer.
He was born Aug. 13, 1958, to John R. and Lucille (Peterson) Hogg and was a lifelong resident of Meeteetse.
Johnny’s biggest passion in life was raising Angus cattle. His greatest pride was watching his registered cattle produce top line breeding bulls and heifers for others to add to their own herds. Johnny spent his entire life ranching with his brother, Allen. His passion for cattle went as far as going into a partnership with lifelong friend, Dale Seaton.
On Sept. 6, 1980, he married the love of his life and soul mate, Ronee Keeler. They were married for 30 years and from that union, two sons were born, Michael John and Kurt Peterson. Johnny was extremely proud of his sons and enjoyed working on the family ranch with them. During difficult times of his disease, a drive through the cows with one of his sons helped reaffirm his desire to continue his fight. His granddaughter, Mia, was born Jan. 18, 2006 and brought him much joy. Even on bad days, her “cookie hugs” would bring a smile and comfort. Having his family nearby throughout his life provided tremendous joy.
He also had a very special relationship with his nephew, Scott Coale, with whom he taught many life lessons. He spent many years working on the ranch with nephews Patrick, Tighe and Wesley and enjoyed listening to their musical adventures. He was happy to help nephew John-Michael with his show steer and truck endeavors and enjoyed his niece Lucille’s hugs, especially when he wasn’t feeling well.
For many years, Johnny shared his love of MHS athletics alongside his wife, by coaching high school girls’ basketball. He also coached middle school football and boys’ basketball with his lifelong friend, Shane Scott. As John Fernandez best stated: “Johnny was an alumnus and coach of MHS and he wanted the kids to fight to win, like he fought his disease.” His love for fishing, hunting, and golfing was shared with his closest friends, Rocky McLean, Kevin Kirkhoff and many others.
Johnny was a member, board member, and chairman of many local, county and state organizations, including the Meeteetse Soil Conservation District, Meeteetse School Board, Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Northwest Wyoming Angus Association, Wyoming Angus Association, Farm Service Agency, FFA Alumni Support Group, and Meeteetse Cemetery Board. He recently became a member of “The Buzzards Coffee Clutch” at Lucille’s Café.
Johnny is survived by his father, wife, sons, granddaughter, brothers, Bill (Kathy) Roussan, Lynn (Sarah) Coale and Allen (Kristine) Hogg; sisters, Emily Coale and Julie Hogg Sax; sister-in-law, Connie Roussan; and in-laws, Jake and Kay Weber and Ron and Barbara Keeler, Frank (Wendy) Keeler, Donnie (Jana) Keeler, Alan (Tarah) Keeler and Debbie Evans and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
His mother, Lucille, and brothers, Iver Coale, Barney Roussan, Pete Roussan, preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Feb. 18 at 11 a.m. at the Meeteetse High School gymnasium.
The family suggests memorials be made to the MHS FFA Alumni Support Group, P.O. Box 218, Meeteetse, WY, 82433.
A complete obituary and online registry is available at www.ballardfh.com.
