Claude Lance Sears

Lance was born on November 13, 1950 in Las Vegas New Mexico to Arthur and Joyce Sears. He grew up on ranches in Santa Rosa New Mexico, Menard Texas and San Angelo Texas, where he went to high school. He studied history, political science and law at TCU and North Texas State University.

When traveling to Montana, as a young man, he became enamored with its beauty and charm. He loved the fishing and skiing it offered, and the open mindedness of Montanans. He took a job at Yellowstone Park for a while, and eventually moved to Bozeman. He would move back to Texas for a time, but moved back to Bozeman.

His love of fishing and adventure took him to New Zealand, where he would spend winter months there for several years.

Lance loved to read and keep up with politics, current events and sports. He was very knowledgeable in all those areas. He became especially interested in the game of golf at an early age. It became a lifelong practice and study.

He became interested in meditation and found community with the Bozeman Dharma Center. He enjoyed movies and film and was a Texas Longhorns fan.

He passed away unexpectedly January 13, 2026 in Scottsdale Arizona, where he spent winters lately.

He will be greatly missed by his friends and remembered for his kind, compassionate and generous nature, his great sense of humor, wit and wisdom.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his girlfriend Lisa Reynolds who passed away in 2021.

Lance was a believer in charitable giving. In lieu of flowers please donate to your charity of choice.

Services will be private.