04/30/2026
We’re remembering a cornerstone of Big Sandy Lodge today — Bernie Kelly.
Bernie and his wife, Connie, carried this place through several years, from 1985 to 1999. They were the kind of lodge owners who didn’t just run a business; they shaped a community. They welcomed hikers, horsemen, wanderers, and old friends with the kind of steady, genuine hospitality that becomes legend in a place like this.
If you’ve ever stepped into the staff room and looked up, you’ve seen one of Bernie’s old hats sitting on the crossbeams. It’s been there for decades — UB's hat is a quiet reminder of the man who ran this lodge. It’s a small thing, but around here, small things carry stories. That hat has watched seasons turn, staff come and go, storms roll in, and countless mornings begin with coffee and purpose.
We’re proud to carry forward the work he and Connie carried forward from the Thomas family. We’re holding their family close in our hearts and extending prayers to all.
Funeral Services will be on May 8, 2026, in Lander, Wyoming.
https://www.hudsonsfh.com/obituaries/bernard-bernie-kelly-sr
