The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the entire U.S. cattle industry lost a great leader on June 5, with the passing of Ward “Lynn” Cornwell, 56, of Glasgow, Montana. Lynn served as NCBA president in 2001.
Lynn served for many years on the NCBA Board of Directors, chairing several committees before serving his term as NCBA president. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Montana Stock Growers Association from 1988 to 1992, and then as MSGA President from 1996 to 1998.
Lynn was also a member of the Montana Public Lands Council, serving as chairman and delegate to the National Public Lands Council and as NCBA Federal Lands chairman.
Lynn attended grade school at the Tampico school and graduated from Glasgow High School in 1969. He earned a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business from Montana State University. He married the former Debby Thompson in 1971, and they raised their children on the family ranch. Lynn is survived by Debby and his four children, as well as eight grandchildren.
Vigil services for Lynn will be at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9, at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 10, at the Cornwell Ranch, west of Glasgow. Interment will be in Highland Cemetery in Glasgow.
Lynn’s family would like memorial gifts made to the Montana State University Foundation to support the Animal Bioscience Building. Gifts should be sent to the MSU Foundation at 1501 S. 11th Ave., Bozeman, MT 59717-2750. Please indicate “in memory of Lynn Cornwell” on the check. The family will be notified of all memorial gifts made.