Celebrating Lynn Lightner: A Pioneer and Trailblazer in Nebraska
Remembering Lynn Lightner: A Trailblazer Who Paved the Way for Nebraska’s Future
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Lynn Lightner, a true giant in the world of trails and a remarkable engineer whose visionary work continues to inspire communities across Nebraska.
https://www.roperandsons.com/obit/lynn-lightner/
Lynn’s life was defined by his unwavering dedication to creating pathways—both literal and figurative—that connect us to each other and to nature. As a founder of the Nebraska Trails Foundation, the Lincoln Track Club, and the Lincoln Marathon, Lynn’s impact on our community is immeasurable. He also served on the boards of the Great Plains Trails Network, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District, and other service organizations, leaving a legacy of leadership and innovation.
A Lifetime of Building and Inspiring
Lynn’s journey as a trail advocate began in the 1970s, leveraging his engineering expertise to design and develop trails that would endure for generations. Through his vision and hard work, Nebraska now boasts an extensive network of trails that enrich lives and promote healthier lifestyles.
Some of Lynn’s most notable accomplishments include:
MoPac Trail East (1988): Lynn and 14 other pioneers personally signed a promissory note to secure funding for this iconic 21.7-mile trail, which now spans Cass and Lancaster counties.
Lied-Platte River Bridge (1997): Lynn and Ross Greathouse spearheaded the restoration of this 1,714-foot bridge, linking Cass and Sarpy counties and fulfilling a vision to connect Omaha and Lincoln.
Chief Standing Bear Trail: A decades-long labor of love, Lynn led the development of this 22.9-mile trail commemorating the historic relocation journey of the Ponca Tribe in 1877.
Homestead Recreational Trail (2007): Lynn re-engineered plans for 12 bridges, saving the Lower Platte South NRD over $100,000 and enabling volunteers to play an integral role in the trail’s construction.
Beyond these, Lynn contributed to other landmark projects like the Cowboy Trail, Dark Island Trail, and Oak Creek Trail, creating pathways that now stand as lasting symbols of his dedication and skill.
Recognizing His Impact
Lynn’s contributions were widely celebrated, earning him numerous awards for his ingenuity, leadership, and commitment to community-driven projects:
Distinguished Achievement & Service Award (1986) - Lincoln Track Club
Trail Boss Awards (2005 & 2007) – Nebraska Trails Foundation
Tributary Award (2007) – Lower Platte South NRD
Golden Spike Award (2016) – Honored by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and other organizations
Chief Standing Bear Organizational Award (2017) – For his partnership with the Nebraska Trails Foundation
Trail Worker Award (2018) – From AmericanTrails.org, for his visionary leadership
Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions Award (2018) – Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
A Passionate Advocate and Friend
Lynn’s passion for trails extended beyond engineering. An avid runner and cyclist, he believed in the power of trails to bring people together. His enduring friendship and collaboration with fellow advocate Ross Greathouse were instrumental in transforming Nebraska’s trail system into a national model of recreation and conservation.
Carrying His Legacy Forward
Lynn Lightner’s work continues to enrich our lives, connecting us to the outdoors and each other. To honor his extraordinary legacy, we encourage contributions to the Lynn Lightner Memorial Fund to ensure his vision for sustainable and accessible trails endures for generations to come. Your donation will support the community and honor the sport Lynn loved.
When filling out your Donation please fill in “Provided on behalf of” with: Lynn Lightner Memorial Fund