Robert Michael McKim , age 72, passed away on Feb. 19, 2018 in Afton, WY, of Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born in Laramie, WY, on January 18, 1946. He spent the first years of his life there. His father, Howard Vance McKim, had been released from the army and was working for Railway Express, delivering packages in Laramie. His mother, Martha Vail VanNoy, was working as a beautician there. Robert's family moved to his mother's hometown of Thayne, WY, in 1948, where his father tore down the old VanNoy home where the Pines Bar now sits. He was able to use the old wood to build a small home and a little sporting goods store called Mac's Sporting Goods. That is now the location of the Hitching Rail. He grew up in Thayne, had a happy childhood, enjoyed time with many friends, as well as his brothers. He was from a large extended family and loved the summer VanNoy reunions spent camping in the beautiful mountains around Star Valley with his many cousins. As a teenager, Robert was a summer fishing guide and became an expert in rowing a drift boat on the Snake and Salt Rivers. Being 6'5" and strong was an advantage for him. He graduated from Star Valley High School where he was active in band, football, track, and excelled in basketball. He was offered a scholarship to Utah State University for basketball, but declined due to a football injury to his knee. Robert served an L.D.S. mission in the Southern California Mission, 1965-1967, serving in California, Las Vegas, NV, and Phoenix, AZ. In later years he served as an ordinance worker in the Idaho Falls temple. He was an avid supporter of the Boy Scout program, serving in district and local capacities, and enjoyed supporting young men in their advancement and success in Scouting. He was able to serve in many church positions and activities throughout his life. He attended Utah State University for two years until he married Lyniece Nield of Afton in the Logan, UT LDS temple, then transferred to B.Y.U. where he completed an undergraduate degree in microbiology, while working as a part time research assistant. During his work on a master's degree, he taught microbiology lab classes part time also. Robert and Lyniece then moved to Durango, Colorado where he was employed as a lab microbiologist at Mercy Medical Center. Two sons were born in Durango, Vance and Corbin. They were able to visit the Mesa Verde ruins located nearby whenever they could for outings and picnics. Being interested in trains from childhood he enjoyed the beautiful ride on the narrow gage railroad from Durango to Silverton. Robert missed the hunting and fishing in Star Valley and they soon returned there where two more children were born, Kelli and Grant. His greatest fishing experience was when he took Pres. Thomas Monson and his sons fishing on Salt River on two occasions. He enjoyed many float trips with his parents and brothers each summer. Robert worked for many years at Nield Oil in Afton with Mike Olsen, and Terry Allred, for their father-in-law, Lynn Nield. This successful business was later sold to Beau and Jenny Erickson in 2006. The Phillips 66 station was a daily gathering place for many individuals and local characters who became good friends. Robert enjoyed being involved in his community. He served on the local school board for 18 years and held several state education positions during that time. He followed that with serving as a WY State Representative from Lincoln County. He looked forward to attending legislative sessions in Cheyenne each year and being involved in the law making process. His goal was to take a conservative stance and always represent family values. He was saddened when the Pulmonary Fibrosis disease advanced and he could no longer serve in that position. He was so grateful for the care and support of the kind medical professionals at Star Valley Medical Center and the University of Utah Medical Center, as well as support from good friends, family, and neighbors. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and siblings and was able to visit them during the last two weeks of his life. He is survived by his wife, Lyniece of Afton, son, Robert Vance McKim of Phoenix, AZ, son, Corbin Nield McKim (Claudia) of Scottsdale, AZ, daughter, Kelli Lyn Brizuela (Jon) of Glendale, AZ, and son, Grant Michael McKim of Mesa, AZ. Grandchildren; Gavin Cole Brizuela, Sydney Elise Brizuela, and Quinn Robert Brizuela. Siblings; Jerry McKim (Carol) of Reno, NV, Ron McKim (Marsha) of Bedford, WY, Jim McKim (Monie) of St. George, UT, Martha Ann Clines (Bill) of Thayne, WY, and Melanie Wilkes of St. George, UT, and many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held, Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 at the Salt River Ward LDS chapel. Internment was at the Afton, WY cemetery.

Viewing: Friday February 23, 2018 6:00 PM
Funeral: Saturday February 24, 2018 1:00 PM
Burial: Saturday February 24, 2018 2:00 PM