View Service Folder| Click for Video Tribute Joe McPhie, age 47, of Ranchester, WY passed suddenly on August 25, 2015, in Sheridan, WY. He was born June 12, 1968, in San Pedro, California. He moved to Kemmerer, WY at two weeks of age and considered himself a Wyoming native. He graduated from Kemmerer High School in 1986 and the University of Wyoming in 1991. At the time of his death, he was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of New Era Petroleum Company.Joe McPhie was Wyoming big; big in every way - big hands, big arms, broad shoulders, big brain, big heart. He loved the outdoors and wild country, a love learned from his father, Ivor Scott, and mother, Sharon. He grew up camping, hunting, fishing, riding and packing horses, and shared this love with family and many friends throughout his life.He married Jennifer Walker on May 4, 2001. They have two beautiful children, Kenzie and Ivor. They shared a deep love that motivated everything Joe did. His strength, love, and commitment as a son, husband, and father completed him. Joe enjoyed every moment with Kenzie and Ivor, teaching them how to hunt, fly fish, and sing off tune at an early age. He bravely took up downhill skiing at the age of 43 in order to share the learning experience with his children.He was a Professional Engineer with a love for challenging work. His entrepreneurial nature, business acumen, and vision led him to join in founding Rockwell Petroleum and New Era Petroleum. His leadership, creativity, and drive to innovate led to many unprecedented successes in a new sector of the Oil & Gas industry. Business and industry leaders worldwide recognized and immediately respected Joe’s extraordinary confluence of character, intellect, and talent. Those who came to know him invariably came to love him. He was kind, generous, and humble. He went out of his way to help others in need. His quick wit and sense of humor were legendary. Anyone who counted Joe McPhie a friend valued the relationship as a once in a lifetime gift. This great man moved and brightened many lives. His powerful influence will reach through time.He is survived by his wife Jennifer, daughter Kenzie, son Ivor, mother Sharon McPhie of Arizona, cousin Brian Landry of Arizona, aunt Adrienne Maggard of California, aunt Linda Landry of Arizona, uncle Craig Smith of California, and uncle Mike Smith of California. He is preceded in death by his father Ivor Scott McPhie, grandparents Ivor and Ruth McPhie, grandmother Marian Smith, and best friend Kit Ellingford.Please e-mail memories for the children to have for years to come to jjmcphie@gmail.com.A Memorial Fund in Joe’s name has been set up at the First Federal Savings Bank to benefit his children, c/o Jennifer McPhie, P.O. Box 131, Ranchester, WY 82839.A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, August 28, 2015, at Kane Funeral Home, 689 Meridian Street, Sheridan, WY with President James Boulter officiating. A reception will follow at Joe and Jennifer\'s home at 38 Kukuchka Lane, Ranchester, WY.Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.