It is with great sadness that I am writing to report the passing of Methow Valley legend and NCMG guide, Sean McCabe. Earlier this summer, Sean was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer. Given 4-6 weeks to live, Sean held on with his legendary tenacity until this morning when he passed peacefully at his home in the company of his family.
I can confidently state without reservation that Sean was one of the finest humans I have ever known. Generous to a fault and so freely giving of his love and attention, he had a way of making everyone feel like the most special person on earth. Being one of the most talented climbers in the valley, many of us looked to Sean for guidance and encouragement. After putting the rope up on some ridiculously hard testpiece, Sean would offer the most sincere encouragement for us to give it a try. Knowing I could hardly get off the ground on routes of this difficulty, Sean would convince me that it was within my ability, and that I just had to believe in myself. After lots of hanging on the rope, lots of his coaching and patient belaying, I would eventually make it to the top. Sean would greet me on the ground with a huge smile that said "I knew you could do it!" That pretty well sums up the effect he had on everyone whose life he touched.
It has been several years since Sean has guided professionally, as his family quickly became his first priority after having kids. Earning his living as the art teacher at Liberty Bell high school, Sean was held in regard the way only a handful of teachers ever are. Often asked to speak at graduation and in 2001 being named "Teacher of the Year" by the Milken Family Foundation, Sean's influence on his students was amazingly powerful. Earlier this summer, a CaringBridge website was created to keep friends informed on Sean's condition and offer people a chance to share their thoughts, feelings and wishes. After reading hundreds of Sean's former students write about the impact he made on their lives, its clear that his influence will live on. Click here to visit Sean's CaringBridge site.
Some of you were fortunate enough to have climbed with Sean and will undoubtedly know what I am trying to express here. Many of you likely know of Sean through his art that NCMG has used for many years. His images have appeared on our T-shirts, website, brochures and posters for many years, with some of his original oil paintings gracing the walls of our office. Several years ago Sean began making prints of many of his most popular paintings. Some of our longtime loyal guests received some of these prints as gifts over the last few years. Sean's work will continue to be available through his website and will continue to be a source of income for his family. Click here to see Sean's artwork.
Sean leaves behind two young daughters Novie (7) and Dashe (3) and his wife Laura. He will be missed by many more.
We'll miss you pard!