Lloyd Cecil Lane

Lloyd was born in St. Louis, MO. He studied philosophy and psychology at universities in Oklahoma, Hawaii and Colorado receiving his bachelor's degree. Lloyd also served in the army. Lloyd was terrifyingly smart on many subjects and read several newspapers a day. Lloyd loved travel, jazz and good food. He hated television, uniforms and any kind of meeting. He was unapologetically unconventional and a tireless optimist.

Lloyd was destined to have his own distinctive business. The Lane Guest Ranch first began as the Lane Boys and Girls Camp in 1953, while Lloyd was a student at the University of Colorado. The camp changed to the Lane Guest Ranch a decade later. The ranch was situated less than a half mile from Wild Basin in Rocky Mountain National Park. As the sole owner of the Lane Guest Ranch for 66 years, Lloyd left an indelible mark on the guest ranch business.

Lloyd advertised mostly in the Wall St. Journal. This proved to be a successful strategy and he soon filled his 25 cabins with happy guests, many of whom were titans in the business world. Lloyd traveled extensively in Europe during the off season looking for ideas to improve his small resort. As a work in progress, soon the ranch had outstanding food, activities and entertainment that rivaled much larger resorts. The staff was equally remarkable and authentic. Instead of uniforms, rules and meetings, Lloyd looked for personal energy and kind eyes in his employees. Many returned for multiple seasons and the Lane Ranch had an enviable returning guest rate.

In the early 2000's, Lloyd was given the title, "Guest Rancher of the Year," and his resort was regarded as one of the best guest ranches in the world. Lloyd Lane supported a large number of businesses in Estes Park and Boulder County. In his lifetime, he also employed thousands of good people. Lloyd was a true maverick in the Estes Valley. He will be missed by many. Thank you Lloyd for the magic and memories you bestowed to many with your home-grown Guest Ranch. Rest easy.

A Celebration of Lloyd Lane’s Life will be held at the home of Paul and Jane Suwalski in Longmont, Colorado on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 1:00pm. Please rsvp to 303-651-0209 if you plan to attend. Lloyd will be placed to rest at Estes Valley Memorial Gardens. Fond memories of Lloyd are welcome at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.