SYP: Skyler Gabel Group

Stephany Anderson and Donnie Anderson lost their son and grandson, respectively, and decided to keep his memory alive by starting the Skyler Gabel Group in 2016.  The non-profit raises money for many youth programs in Park County as well as the state to honor Skyler, who tragically passed way too young at the age of 18.  Mom spoke about Skyler and how he always wanted to be outdoors, working and gaining experience to be an outfitter when he turned 18.  Whether he was hunting or fishing, riding into the mountains or teaching others the joy that is the state of Wyoming, Skyler was always learning, always moving and gaining experience.  The Latin term “Excelsior” (meaning “ever upward”) is the best way to describe this remarkable young man who was born, raised, and lived like  the old soul he was until his untimely death in Park County in 2013.

(l to r) Natalie Kim, Stephany Anderson, Ava Kendrickson.
Stephany is congratulating these two young historians for the 2023 Forever Wild Historians. Natalie and Ava created a passionate, widely researched documentary on the traumatic impact of Pratt’s idea to create the Carlisle Indian School. (Photo courtesy of Facebook).

Although Skyler felt confined and didn’t enjoy the scholastic rigors of school, he was an excellent writer and passionate about the Second Amendment and history.  His grandfather, Donnie, reflected on the lessons that Skyler taught him as a grandfather, noting that his grandson, “taught me that anyone could learn anything if there were passionate about [the subject matter].”  The Skyler Gabel Group is hosting a Gear and Tack Swap Meet on Saturday, June 17th in Ralston across from Mule Days off the Powell Highway.  The meet is from 10a-2p and if you’d like to buy a booth for yourself or your friends, the cost is $40.  Call Jane at 307-899-3911 for more information.