Roy Lloyd honored and remembered

Roy Lloyd is being remembered as a bright light and a strong force in Sweetwater County, both by his friends and family and those who worked and served with him.

Lloyd, who was 50, passed away November 21 at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, only weeks after it became generally known that he was diagnosed with cancer.

The community rallied to support Lloyd after his cancer diagnosis, and are now supporting his family after his passing. Many are also taking time to recognize Lloyd's many contributions to the community, including the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners, which Lloyd previously served on.

"We recently lost a good man, a good friend, and a former county commissioner in Roy Lloyd," Chairman Keaton West said.

During their December 3 meeting, the commissioners had a moment of silence to recognize Lloyd, approved a resolution recognizing his service to the county, and shared several comments on their personal relationships with him.

"The members of the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners were greatly saddened to learn of the passing of former Sweetwater County Commissioner, Roy Lloyd," the resolution shared by the commissioners began.

Lloyd was recognized for serving as a Sweetwater County Commissioner from January 7, 2019, to January 2, 2023. It was also highlighted that he served the county "through his tireless support of youth activities," including being involved in 4-H, Project Hope, the Green River Grapplers, the Green River Youth Football League, and being an announcer for Green River High School football and wrestling. Lloyd also served the disabled community of Sweetwater County and "made a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and acquired brain injuries" through his work with Southwest Wyoming Rehabilitation Center (SWRC), NOWCAP, Opportunities Incorporated and the Rock Springs Council on Disabilities.

"Roy Lloyd had a big voice and even bigger heart that he put to good use serving the people of Sweetwater County," the resolution said.

As a gesture of respect and recognition of Lloyd's lifelong service to Sweetwater County, the Board directed that the State of Wyoming flag, at all Sweetwater County facilities, will be lowered to half-staff sunup until sundown on December 11, which was authorized by Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.

"Roy was a dedicated public servant who loved Sweetwater County," Commissioner Island Richards said.

Richards went on to explain that one of the main reasons he decided to run for county commissioner was because Lloyd had frequently encouraged him to. He added that Lloyd was one of the first people he told of his decision to run, and he stressed that he wasn't running to run against Lloyd, and he wishes he could have had the opportunity to serve alongside him.

Commissioner Mary Thoman did serve with Lloyd on the commission, and pointed out that they co-chaired the county fire reorganization committee together, where he was thorough and detailed in his work.

"He was a great thinker," Thoman said.

"I had the privilege to work with Roy during his time as commissioner and can state without reservation that he worked very hard for Sweetwater County," Commissioner Robb Slaughter said. "Roy was extremely well-liked and will be missed greatly throughout this entire community."

"I too was extremely sad to hear of the passing of Roy Lloyd. He was truly a friend," Commissioner Taylor Jones said. "He was always a great supporter, upbeat, trying to find the positive way of looking at things."

The commissioners noted they will be attending Lloyd's celebration of life, which will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 11 at the Sweetwater Events Complex.

There will also be a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for the Lloyd family at Buck'n Bar this Saturday, December 7 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 a plate and can be purchased ahead or at the door, although those who wish to attend should RSVP for planning purposes. Those who wish to RSVP can go to the Facebook event page or contact Carla Lee, the event organizer, at (801) 558-3136.

Community members have already been sharing their support for the family, and expressing their love for Lloyd, through platforms such as Facebook, and continue to find ways to reach out and offer support.

Many agree with Commissioner Island Richards, who summed it up by saying that "Sweetwater County is a better place for having had Roy in it."