The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) lost a cherished member of their running community last Saturday.  Sean McCabe, of Mazama, Washington, passed away November 7, 2009 from a rare form of Thyroid cancer.  Sean was a member and devoted supporter of MVSTA as well as a deeply talented artist, runner, skier, teacher, and father.     

The following was provided by Danica Kaufman & Katharine Bill courtesy of the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association.

An Ambassador of Good Will and Humanity

“Not only is Sean one of the first people across the finish line, but he is always the first person to shake hands, give you a sweaty hug, and personally thank every one of the race organizers.” 

-Jay Lucas

Sean McCabe has been a long-time supporter and dear friend to MVSTA, the trail system and the entire community.  Very sadly, he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer in May of 2009.  He underwent intense radiation and chemo treatments for several weeks, but they were not effective.  He has spent the summer enjoying precious time with his family, and living his life with the same grace and spark that has been his trademark.

Sean and his wife Laura moved to the Methow Valley in 1990, looking for a simple life near the mountains and trails.  Already an award winning teacher, he quickly won the hearts of his students at Liberty Bell High School, and the families that were so grateful to have their kids in the presence of his soulful, generous spirit.  Sean and Laura spent their early Methow years building their home in Edelweiss, climbing peaks and skiing the trails.  Without wavering in their commitment to their outdoor passions, they joyfully integrated their two young daughters Novie (7) and Dashe (3), into camping, climbing and ski adventures.

Sean is a man of deep faith.  His spirituality has been a foundation for the way he lives his life, and his faith in the capacity of the people around him inspires a ripple effect.  He makes the people in his life feel revered and valued, and his belief in their capacity to climb higher, ski faster, paint more boldly, live more authentically and love more deeply has been a positive force in countless lives.

Sean’s greatest passions, his art, the mountains, climbing and his family are forever captured in the collection of artwork that he has left as a legacy.  Sean has been painting all of his life, but decided to take a sabbatical from teaching in 2008 to focus on his artwork and build his collection.  His graphic designs can be seen on many of The North Face, Patagonia, and Black Diamond clothing labels, and his illustrations have been featured in American Alpine Journal, Climbing Magazine and Alpinist Magazine.  His oil painting collection is the basis for the family business he built over the past two years. Laura is now running the print business as a way of supporting their family.  Paper and canvas prints of his collection can be purchased at the MVSTA website, or at www.seanmccabestudio.com .

Sean’s presence along the Methow Trails has made an indelible mark in our community.  During his lifetime and beyond, his generous spirit, sparkling eyes and contagious laughter may still surprise you; maybe on top of Rendezvous Pass in a gust of swirling snow, maybe in the rhythm of perfect classic tracks in morning light. Go out, Sean would say, and see.