Tony Steven Lopez, 65, passed away on October 9, 2018 at Ivinson Memorial Hospital. Tony was born in San Jose, California on November 7, 1952 to Dorothy and Anthony Lopez. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1974 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1974 to 1978 before hitchhiking to Laramie in 1978 for law school at the University of Wyoming. An attorney and former city judge, a proud father of four, and friend and mentor to many, Tony walked to the beat of his own drum. Always a book in his hand and music playing, Tony will be remembered for his continuous exploration of new hobbies from experimental cooking to gardening to carpentry. He never passed a chance to strike up a conversation or crack a joke with an old friend or stranger. Every day for Tony was “another day in paradise.”
He is survived by his four children Rachel Lopez, Sarah Esther, Doc Lopez, and Maria Smith-Lopez and his grand-baby Emma Esther. He was the best father his children could have asked for and he will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life will be held at the Alibi Pub on Sunday, October 14th. Friends and family are welcome any time between 2 and 5pm.
I met Tony through a mutual friend when "Lopes" was in law school. Not one to suffer fools gladly, his acerbic wit could cut you to pieces as deftly as a surgeon wielding a razor sharp scalpel. One soon knew that this was a man who did not traffic in trifles. I regret to admit I did not stay in touch for the past couple decades, and my last memory is the two of us enjoying copious amounts of adult beverages at the Alibi, then later having to spend the night on the couch at his pad, having had "one too many" to drive home. As a Navy man I'm not sure I can say this, but I will anyway: "Semper Fi, Marine! You are relieved of your post, your duties having been discharged. Rest in peace."
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Tony, and I extend my sincerest condolences to his family. A mark of Tony is this: when I was in law school, a year ahead of Tony, there was very little cross-pollination between the classes. Not so with Tony. I got to know him a little bit in law school, and in the years after when I would encounter him at bar meetings and the like he always remembered me and we would enjoy a pleasant conversation. Several years ago, he was drafted into service as a juvenile attorney with the Campbell County Attorney's Office. He did a great job, and his time here was too short-lived -- but, again, a chance to reconnect with Tony. I guess he could be described as a universal personality. I'm sure his family will greatly miss him. His friends and acquaintances will too. He leaves too early. Judge Nick Deegan Gillette
Rachel and Sarah, my condolences to the both of you and your Mom and the Lopez familia. I meet your Dad when visiting your grandpa Clyde in Laramie and at those moments I got to know your Dad and we had some great talks. He spoke very highly of you two a very proud father. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rafael Macias
Rachel, Sarah, Scout and Doc - I don't even know where to begin. My heart hurts for each of you and for all who had the PRIVILEGE of knowing your Dad. He was a very special man - kind, caring, and loving. I know these are traits he let very few see, but they were the True Tony. He loved you so very much and came to my office often to talk proudly about you and about his new little granddaughter. Pride for each of you shown in his face. Rachel and Sarah - I loved the times you spent with me in my office while your Dad was in court. I am blessed that he brought you into my life. As Craig Kirkwood said - it is hard to imagine Laramie without Tony, It's hard to imagine "life" without him! He will always hold a special place in my heart. Please know you are all in my thoughts. He loved you more than anything in this world.
A classmate and fellow veteran. One of a kind for sure, and a man who will be missed. You will be remembered on a backpacking trip into the Wind River range next summer. Your spirit will surely be with us. R.I.P. Marine, and all the blessings in the world to your family. Larry Donovan
The staff of Wyoming Public Media send condolences to the family of Tony Lopez. He will be greatly missed in the Laramie community and by others who knew him. His on-going support of Wyoming Public Radio was always appreciated. Cindy Elrod Broadcast Assistant
Tony was one of a kind. He will be missed by those who were lucky enough to know him.
Tony made an ladying impression on my law school experience. He came in to lecture the class and, in an hour, made me realize that attorneys don't have to be egocentric sharks. They are human with human failings. I respected him beyond every "professor" except for Prof Lauer, and Prof Gelb. Tony was a humanistic lawyer and a friend to many in the School of Law. He truly was a Goliath in the trade. May God give him the peace he so richly deserves. He will be missed.
Tony was the first person I met when I went to law school. It was first hour and he was longing in a chair in the hallway wearing a green military jacket, sunglasses and appeared to be half-asleep. The first class was Judicial Remedies with Prof. Arnold who had a wickedly funny sense of humor. So did Tony. We spent my first hour of law school listening as they exchanged jokes. He was one of a kind.The best kind.
I was sorry to hear this news. I met Judge Lopez in 2005 when I coordinated the AWARE Program at UW. He would refer students who had received MIPs or alcohol-related charges to AWARE for alcohol education. I observed his court about once a year and was always very impressed by how fair, judicial, and compassionate he was. People were afraid to talk to him, but he treated them kindly, and I remember he would always ask them if they had told their parents about their alcohol use. He always encouraged them to talk to their parents, and I thought that was so important and thoughtful. I was disappointed when he was no longer the judge, and even wrote a letter of support for him. We didn't know each other well, but whenever I saw him in the community, he would always say hi to me and chat for a bit. He seemed to remember everyone he met and I will remember him as a person who was kind that really cared. Condolences to his family. RIP.
Oh dear Tony! Tony was a great man, and one of a kind.. He help me out and i will never forget him, he was blunt and very outspoken but that made him a great person .. I will miss you Tony Rest Well my friend, Thank you for being you. I am very sorry for your loss. My sincere condolence and deepest sympathy.
I am offering my deepest condolences to my nieces Rachel and Sarah and the rest of Tony's family for their loss. Tony was a fine man and I am honored to have known him. We had nice conversations every time we crossed paths. I will always remember him. God bless him and his family.
I was shocked to hear this news. I worked for Tony and George Zimmers for almost 9 years. He was a wonderful person and boss. We had some good laughs. I remember him taking Rachel, Sarah and my daughter, Coley, to the Country Club occasionally swimming in the summer. I also remember Rachel and Sarah coming to the office and sitting in Tony's office while he dialed up a story from the library for them. What sweet girls. I never had the pleasure to meet Doc, Maria or little Emma, but I am sure they were as wonderful as Rachel and Sarah. I can only imagine what a proud grandpa he was. He will surely be missed. My heart and sympathy go out to the entire family. Tony definitely marched to his own drum. He was one of a kind. What a wonderful person. Stephanie Mead
Tony was the coolest guy in lawschool! He will not be forgotten.I am sorry for your loss but happy that I got to know him. H.Steven Brown
Tony was a proud soccer dad. He did have a heart of gold. Thanks for the privilege of knowing Tony.
My condolences to the Lopez family Tony was a wonderful person always made me laugh and had the opportunity to work with him when I worked at the county court Laramie will not be the same Rest In Peace Tony
Way back when I was a law school student, my wife received an unfair charge of a traffic violation. This endangered her job as a school bus driver. I could not afford to hire an attorney and sought help from Professor Lauer. He told me he new a lawyer in town with "a big heart." Tony not only took the case pro bono, but also took the opportunity to act as my mentor during the process. This is how I will always remember him.
At the end of knowing we are left only with the pure love of God. There is Tony one of the gentlemen lawyers. It has been a privilegde to know him what little I did. I look forward to experiencing him fully at the end of knowing. May blessinings and comfort rest upon his loved ones.
I am shocked by this loss. As many know, Tony marched to the beat of his own drummer; he was a true free spirit. He had a great heart and would often go to bat for the underdog. He paid a price for his independence, both personally and professionally. He was a wonderful judge but could never tolerate, much less master, the reality of sucking up politically. It cost him the municipal judgeship but the biggest loser was the City of Laramie that lost the services of someone who told it like it was. The joys of his life were his kids, Rachel, Sara, Doc and Scout. He could not have been prouder and constantly spoke of them and their accomplishments. It is difficult to imagine Laramie without Tony Lopez. There is now a great void. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Rachel, Sarah, Doc and Scout- your dad talked about all. the. time. He was so very proud of you guys, always. He'd come into my office or see me at the courthouse - and a lot of times, he struck up a conversation that made its way back to you! Keep going and know that you are loved. You are in my prayers, Stacy
Well damn, let this be a reminder to stay in touch with your friends. Tony and I had a lot of fun in law school. We traveled to Salt Lake City, Montreal and New Orleans for trial competitions. And one Halloween I got my hair and makeup done, bought a wedding dress and heels; I think I looked a little strange, and Tony and I went out for a drink after the law school party. Tony had to very firmly tell some guy at a bar to stop hitting on me. Great guy.
My sympathy to the family. Rest in Peace Tony.
To the Lopez's My sincere condolence and deepest sympathy. May the God of comfort, who is near to those heartbroken, and crush in spirit strengthen you during this difficult time of sorrow. Psalm 34:18 Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Bright Blessings of Light to Tony, Comfort to his Family ~ Sandy W.
I worked for Tony during my entire undergraduate tenure and maintained a close relationship from that time forward. He was my first mentor, always speaking the truth I NEEDED to hear, even if it was not what I WANTED to hear. Tony was unabashedly himself, sticking to his guns, his beliefs, and always his truths. Tony, Thank you for the countless book and movie recommendations, not all of which were great, but many influenced me tremendously. Thank you for the music - always music. At the office. In the car. Singing as we walked down the street. You introduced me to sounds that were new and different from anything else I had heard. Lyrics, deep and emotional, and full of meaning. Thank you for the food, and the delicious dinner parties. I almost gained the Freshman-15 during your cheesecake phase! But mostly, Tony, thank you for your loyal friendship, your guidance, your honesty, and your generosity. I will miss you. I will really really miss you. Rachel, Sarah, Doc, Scout... All my love, light, and prayers are with you now, and always. You had an incredible father who loved you more than anything, and he let everyone know, too!