Sean McNeal

Sean Edward McNeal, 26, left his family and friends behind on Friday morning, March 11, 2011. Sean was born in Aberdeen, Washington on November 19, 1984, already anxious to meet new people. He was the younger of two children born to Scott and Jeannie (Nuttall) McNeal. Sean attended Robert Gray Elementary, Miller Junior High, and Aberdeen High School. He also attended Washington State University. Sean worked a variety of jobs during his life. He delivered newspapers for The Daily World, did construction work for McMeekin Construction, sold cars for CarPros Hyundai in Seattle, and performed a multitude of duties for Coastal Fitness. He was always willing to use his skills and talents to help his family and friends. In all of his work Sean revealed his versatility and amazing ability to interact with people. As a child Sean participated in soccer, baseball and wrestling, showing an enthusiasm for team sports that lasted into adulthood. He played on the high school varsity soccer team for four years and served as co-captain in his senior year. He loved to rally his team, encouraging his fellow players to play their best. His love of music also showed itself at an early age, and with each following year his abilities and tastes grew and became more eclectic. He played piano, cello, bass, trombone, and guitar. He always enjoyed playing for and entertaining others, showing off each new trick and technique with a look of concentration and a great big smile to finish. Sean jammed and recorded his own music and was looking forward to producing it one day. Sean was passionate about poetry, philosophy, movies, and art. He began writing a book explaining his own social and philosophical outlook weeks before he died. His inquisitive spirit was always considering the meaning of life and his place in that meaning. Sean is survived by his parents, Jeannie and Scott McNeal of Aberdeen; his sister, Meghan McNeal of New York City; his grandparents, Ellen and Pat McFadden of Hoquiam, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sean is also survived by his beloved, long-time friends who he considered his extended family. His kindness, generosity, enthusiasm, and lopsided smile will always be remember by those who knew him, and his great potential will serve as a reminder to those he left behind of the importance of shooting for their dreams no matter what the odds look like. As one of his friends expressed, “We hope that Sean is somewhere now discussing philosophy with Aristotle and jamming with his new musical friends.” A Memorial Fund in Sean's name has been set up at Sterling Savings Bank at 101 N. Broadway, Aberdeen. All money given to this fund will be donated to an organization that will help those affected by the drug epidemic on the Harbor. We are researching to help us decide where this money would do the most good. There will be a memorial service for Sean on Saturday, March 19th at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on Fourth and Broadway, Aberdeen, Wash.