Seany-oops

A big smile. Closing my eyes, I imagine Sean, and yes---it’s his smile that I see first. Close your eyes and imagine Sean, and I bet you will be greeted with his wonderful smile and eyes sparkling with joy. Try it.

Sean has always had a soft spot in his heart for other people----all people---young and those with many years of life experience. He started off with a big heart and stayed true to that path.

In Walnut Creek, California on December 13th, 1969, Sean entered into this world, blessing Jane and Jerry as their firstborn. They were ecstatic with their absolutely beautiful baby boy.

Sean, such a sweet child, was easy to love. He was so happy, and at two years old, Sean became the big brother to Torin. About a year later, the family moved to Breckenridge, Colorado, for a little over a year. Then upon moving back to California, Sean became a big brother once again when his sister Molly was born.

As a child, Sean was curious, wanting to know all the details, always asking why? If you have spent time with Sean, you know that curiosity was a big part of who he was.

When Sean was about 5 years old, the family moved to Janesville, California, a small town on the northeastern side of the Sierras. In high school, Sean was on the wrestling and baseball teams. Upon graduation, he attended Lassen Community College while working in retail.

Then an offer to work at a resort in Costa Rica came up. Sean looking for a change and some adventure in his life, jumped at the opportunity. He enjoyed Costa Rica, but being so far from his family, Sean found himself increasingly growing more homesick and so after a couple of years he decided to return home. His family had relocated to the Seattle area. So, upon return, wanting to be near his family, Sean settled into West Seattle and then eventually in North Bend.

Sean worked in the grocery business until a back injury made him need to pursue another line of work. He never really enjoyed working at this job, so this forced move was actually good for him.

Sean’s love for his family was always a big presence in his life. Sean loved being the big brother to Torin and Molly. He was convinced that he had the best brother and sister---ever. He felt blessed to have them in his life and he admired them both. Sean and Torin were different from each other. Still, there was an unmistakable, brotherly bond and loving understanding of each other. Torin appreciated the person Sean was and the special place Sean held in the world. Sean was honest and genuinely one of the most authentic people. Recently, Sean reflected on his brother and said, “Torin has so many talents---he is a genius. I told Torin that I wish I could be more like him. And then Torin told me that I had my own good qualities, and you know what---that really boosted my confidence!” Sean felt supported and safe when he was with Torin. What more could you want from a brother? With Torin’s wife, Gretchen, Sean had a partner to discuss spirituality. Gretchen helped Sean find his light. Sean loved his sister Molly. He loved her generosity and was impressed with how much she could accomplish. Sean was amazed at how fear never got in Molly’s way and that she was willing to try new things. They had an uncomplicated relationship. Sean thought Molly was the best sister anyone could have. Molly appreciates what she learned from Sean. She believes Sean was a teacher for her and taught her to be a kinder and gentler person. And Molly’s husband, Jeff, had a "solid" and easy-going relationship with Sean.

One of Sean’s proudest achievements was a gift from Torin and Gretchen and Molly and Jeff. He became Uncle Sean to his three nieces, Logan, Bailey, and Finley, and his three nephews, Dusty, Grey, and Sam. Uncle Sean was very protective of his nieces and would provide them with his words of wisdom. And to Uncle Sean’s delight, his nephews gave him wrestling opponents. Sean was honored to be an uncle.

When Sean went to work as a driver for Snoqualmie Valley Transportation (SVT), he had finally found his calling. Here was work where he could be of service and make connections with people. Sean liked driving the bus and delivering meals. He enjoyed seeing his “regular” riders and getting to meet new people. Sean loved his daily conversations with his riders and his co-workers. If you were around Sean very long, you know that he very much enjoyed talking! Sean felt like he was valued and was appreciated. He liked being a part of a team, the sense of belonging, and being part of an organization that did good for others. In Sean, SVT found a dedicated employee who was reliable and committed. For Sean, he was not just driving a bus. Each day was an opportunity for him to make meaningful heart connections with those he encountered. Helping others really gave Sean a sense of purpose.

On his time off, Sean loved spending time with his mom, Jane. They were both night owls. Together they watched television and talked late into the night. Sean and Jane were very close and always had a special bond. Sean often expressed how much he appreciated his mom and loved her. He also had no doubt to how much his mom loved him---her sweet Sean.

Sean had quite the deep philosophical side to him. This was something that he learned from his father, Jerry. Sean loved to explore the meaning of life and how you should treat others. Sean would often quote things that he had discussed with his dad. The spiritual learnings he got helped guide Sean through life.

Sean’s family always provided him a home. At home he knew he was loved and felt safe. Having this sense of belonging was core to his gratitude.

Sean was well-loved by his extended family and friends. It was important to him that he connected with people and had real conversations. Sean expressed his appreciation and gratitude with others. He also had a great sense of humor. There’s no doubt that everyone could share their personal Sean stories.

On Sunday night, January 29th, Sean died peacefully in his sleep. Sean may have had some struggles in his life, but he also had a lot of love. He touched the lives of many people. Everyone wants to be seen for who they are, and for Sean, this was also true. Sean was a kind, caring, and compassionate person who had such a generosity of spirit.

Sean, may you find the well-deserved serenity and light to illuminate your way as we hold tight and carry you close in our hearts.

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