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JEFFREY PHELPS Jeff's life was taken suddenly when his single-engine airplane crashed on The Bell Ranch, Wednesday, August 15, 2007. He is survived by his wife, Janet and their children, Travis (Kari), Sarah and Brandon. Jeff was a proud grandfather to Torin, age 3, Macie, age 1, and Mason, age 1. Jeff was born in Lake Forest, IL. He grew up in Libertyville, IL until he was age 8. And from the age 8 to 13 he resided in Lake Forest, IL. At the age 13 he attended Kents Hill School located in Kents Hills, ME and graduated in 1969. Jeff attended Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO, where he majored in Ag Business. He graduated from Colorado State in 1974 and began working full-time at the Bell Ranch, where he has been employed since. Initially involved in the Bell's registered herd, Jeff became involved in strategic issues impacting the ranch. As President of the Bell's Ranch, Jeff led the ranch's efforts to develop a new breed of cattle and encouraged a much greater focus on wildlife and water management. Jeff was the first and foremost a family man with a deep devotion to his wife, Janet of 33 years and their three children. Jeff had a passion for the west and a love for the Bell Ranch where he had lived for over 30 years. He raised all of his three children on the Bell Ranch and was very active in the ranching community in New Mexico. Jeff personified the cowboy way of life and encouraged his children to actively participate in rodeo and ranch activities. Besides his significant focus on Bell Ranch activities, Jeff was active in both Lane Family and other businesses. He was a director of several banks owned by the Lane Family as well as a bank in New Mexico. Jeff also sat on the boards of GBC, a public company and of Lane Industries. Jeff was an active contributor who challenged conventional thinking and encouraged a long-term view of value creation for owners. Jeff hosted the annual Trail Ride at the Bell Ranch which was a celebration of the cowboy life and was attended by both real and aspiring cowboys. Jeff was a sportsman, with a passion for outdoor activities, a skilled skier and avid tennis player. He was an accomplished pilot and greatly enjoyed flying and airplanes. Last, but not least, Jeff was a people person who enjoyed being with people of all types; whether they were successful business executives, celebrities, politicians or a factory, hotel or ranch employee. Jeff showed a deep and sincere interest in everyone he met and especially those who worked for the Lane Family businesses. As a director he was always questioning the impact of decisions on employees. He cared deeply about people and had a deep and genuine concern for their problems and issues. A Memorial Service will be held for Jeffrey Lane at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 21, 2007. The setting will be at the Bell Ranch Hacienda. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donation be made in memory of Jeffrey Lane to the New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranches. Further information regarding donations can be found at www.theranches.org/ or by contacting The Ranches 6209 Hendrix Road NE, 2 FL Albuquerque, NM 87110 1-800-660-0289 Arrangements are under the direction of the Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas NM, 1-800-479-3511 or 425-3511.
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