TORRINGTON – Michael C. McCabe, 64, of Torrington, entered eternal life July 19, 2020, at his home in Torrington surrounded by his family.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Michaels life will be 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Mitchell Berean Church in Michell, Neb.
Michael was born March 11, 1956, in Torrington, to Curtis and Helen McCabe. He married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Patricia Kerns, on June 26, 1977.
Michael is survived by his wife, Patricia, and son C.J. (Sarah) McCabe of Scottsbluff, Neb.; grandsons Austin, Cooper and Breyer; sister-in-law Myrna McCabe of Gering, Neb., and niece Myrna Dean (Oscar) Olivarez of Kerrville, Texas; brother-in-law Dale (Jaci) Kerns of Lingle and many extended family members and friends.
Michael attended Torrington public school, graduating in 1974. He attended Eastern Wyoming College and University of Wyoming, where he majored in business administration. While attending high school and college, Michael worked at Torrington Municipal Airport and for the late Robert R. Booton, who owned and operated Booton Aerial Spraying. He went to work for the Wyoming Department of Transportation in 1977 and worked there until his retirement in January 2011.
In addition to his career with the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Michael was a pilot. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1983. His affection for flying furthered him on to train and earn his commercial pilot’s license.
With his love of aviation, he also became a licensed aviation instructor and taught many other individuals how to fly. Michael always enjoyed taking student pilots into the busy Denver airspace and teaching them what to expect and how to fly safely in such a busy and critical environment.
He enjoyed attending airshows, aviation museums and taking his friends and family up in his personal airplane for a flight. He spent much time in the hanger polishing and refinishing the interiors of the various airplanes he and Patricia owned over the years. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and was active in promoting aviation safety.
Michael wrote in his own piece, titled Why I am a pilot: “The feeling of personal pride and accomplishment now overtakes and consumes my body…somewhere back on the runway I just departed, is all my frustration and emotional tension that had accumulated from living in a very hectic world…”
At age 56, Michael became a certified fitness instructor and was an inspiration to many. Michael enjoyed being together with his family and his “flying family” and friends. Playing games, photography, flower gardening and playing his baby grand piano were also his hobbies.
Michael was involved in the Laramie County 4-H youth program as a club leader for many years and received the 4-H Leader of the Year award in 1996. He served on the Laramie County 4-H Council and coached Cheyenne youth basketball.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Helen McCabe, brother Melvin McCabe, parents-in-law Jake and Ida Lou Kerns; sister-in-law Kathleen Weinkauf, and brothers-in-law Fred and Roy Kerns.
The family requests those who wish to donate in his memory make donations to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Foundation, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, MD, 21701.
