For a small population, there have been some impressive leaders serve both in and from Wyoming.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of them along the way in my travels and responsibilities.

All have been professional and cordial in our conversations.

That was the case when I had to “bum a ride” from the former Vice President of the United States.

When ground was broken for the Star Valley Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a few thousand people showed up for the event on April 25, 2015, I realized that it may be something that I should reach out with and extend invitations to tour the Temple Open House after construction.

The open house came in late September and early October of 2016.

I extended invitations to Wyoming’s leaders to come and visit. They did and that was appreciated.

At the time, Vice President and former member of Wyoming’s congressional delegation, Dick Cheney was retired and living in Jackson.

In my travels our trails crossed one day and I thought, “Why not invite him to the open house?” So, I did.

He didn’t respond to the invitation immediately, but indicated he would consider it.

Working with his scheduler, I advised them of the date and time.

When that time came, he arrived and we had an enjoyable tour.

After the tour, a luncheon was planned for the visiting government leaders at a nearby church.

As he was driving his own pickup, a three-quarter ton Ford as I recall, I gave the Vice President directions.

As I stepped away to find my truck nearby, I discovered the person dropping it off for me earlier had locked the keys in the truck.

For a moment I hesitated and then turned back to the vice president’s truck, tapped on the window, and asked if I might catch a ride with him to the luncheon.

He was polite and invited me to hop in.

We had a short ride with nice conversation.

It wasn’t a major event, and I often recall that moment with a smile, that I had to “bum a ride” from the vice president.

I thought about it again when learning of the vice president’s death early in November.

A small event for the vice president, but important to me.

I’ve always appreciated Vice President Cheney’s simple kind act on that day back in 2016.

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