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Leonard Jerome Torczon, 82, of Garland, Wyoming, passed away at the Billings Clinic in Billings, Montana on Dec. 11, 2025. He was a cowboy legend, loved by many and will be deeply missed. He was born April 27, 1943 in Powell, Wyoming, to Dennis and Margaret (Thull) Torczon, joined by brother Robert and was raised on the family ranch along the Clarks Fork River in Clark, Wyoming.
As a child, Leonard survived rheumatic fever, but grew strong working many summers stacking 2,000 bales of hay a day for his Uncle Steve. He learned valuable skills from time spent with his Uncle Merle and Aunt Mary. He attended Pioneer Country School in Clark and Belfry High School, graduating in 1961. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1962 as a crane/truck operator and was a decorated rifle sharpshooter, serving throughout Tulle and Verdun, France, and received an honorable discharge in 1965.
Throughout his life Leonard worked as a range rider, horse wrangler, hunting guide with four pack horses, with the Forest Service and Clark Fish Hatchery, ranching/farming, as an EMT, dozer operator including bulldozing breaks during the big 1988 Yellowstone wildfire, and heavy equipment operator for the Park County Landfill for over 15 years. He was also a certified pipe welder working various oil fields throughout the Big Horn Basin, was a night watchman at the Buffalo Bill Dam raising, an auctioneer, hauled sugar beets, trucking, and built a large home on his ranch. He was the owner of Torczon Welding, Torczon Auctioneering and L & J Enterprises.
Over the years, Leonard held roles in numerous organizations including: director of the Clark Fire Dept for 20 years, Clark First Responders, president and member of the Board of Directors of the Wyoming Fiddlers Association, treasurer and post commander in 1984 and 1985 for Belfry, Montana, American Legion, and an honorary member of the Belfry FFA.
Leonard had an extremely talented natural musical ability, playing several instruments including the acoustic, electric, steel and bass guitars, fiddle, accordion, piano, harmonica and Dobro. His soothing singing voice was a favorite of many, as he would sing a wide variety of songs from the volumes of song selections he had compiled over the years. He was a part of several western bands including the Clarksfork Westerners, The Sometimes Band, and the Wyoming Fiddlers. He was also an accomplished artist creating paintings, drawings, wood working, knife making, leather work and welding metal art.
He was an avid reader of western books, and known for his obsession with all western movies. He was a great storyteller, the epitome of the “Cowboy Code,” and lived an adventurous life that movies are made of.
In 1966, he married Clara Cooper and to this union had five children. After 26 years they divorced. He adopted a daughter in 1992.
In 2001, Leonard married Jerri Gams, adding three stepchildren to his fold. For over 25 years, Leonard and Jerri enthusiastically played music together in various venues throughout Wyoming and Montana, doing up to seven parades a year, playing to thousands of listeners. Together they created handmade jean quilts for kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids; tended large gardens, horses, donkeys, chicken flocks, and they enjoyed spoiling their dear dogs, Trucker and Cookie, and pet cats, JD, Jackson and TK. Their home was an inviting haven for family and friends to gather, making many cherished memories.
Family was so very important to Leonard, and they all lovingly remember his stories, hugs, humor, constant toothpick, cowboy hats, card games, marbles, the many cords of wood split, being the weatherman and road guide, hardworking, troubleshooting, and showing a positive mindset. He had a tender, loving approach with kids and is remembered for the magical western shirt pockets that had them intrigued. Admired for how he braided his girls’ hair, how he took great pride in his ranch, how he could read the land and spot a sick cow; and for his faith in God and daily prayers for family and our nation. His proficient skills at operating all types of heavy machinery were impressive, especially how he maneuvered his orange Kubota tractor. Leonard was an intimidating protector for all who he loved. He welcomed many friends to the table, and expected the best from you.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dennis and Margaret Torczon; mother-in-law Minnie Gams; sisters-in-law Judy Workman, Jane Franks, Joyce Lohrenz, and Kay Torczon; brother-in-law Lloyd Franks; and nephew Raymond Torczon.
Leonard is survived by his beloved wife Jerri (Gams) Torczon; children: Joe (Charla) Torczon, Laurie (Jim) Torczon, Coleen (Flint) Harvey, Heidi Torczon, Jeri (T-Boy) Torczon, Amy (TJ) Swanson, Jodie (Bill) Baxendale, Misty (Keith) Moffitt, Chance (Jamie) Sylvester; 43 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; brother Robert Torczon, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 at 11 a.m. in Clark, Wyoming, at the Rec Center, 321 Road 1AB, with military honors to follow at the Bennett Butte Cemetery. Following the graveside services, please join the family at the Rec Center for lunch and reminiscing.
His previous ranch boss Mick Fraker said it best, “Leonard, you were THE Cowboy.”
