By Cleta Sweeney, IAC 438225
Sean loved the IAC. The first context I can think of was in 1974 when he qualified for nationals. He showed up in Sherman/Denison, Texas, without pre-registering. All the guys took him under their wing, and he had such a blast.
Sean was born in July 1958 and lived an adventurous childhood, learning about the farm from his mother and learning aviation and engineering from his father. Relocating to the west, Sean met his high school crush, Cleta, whom he later married and enjoyed life with for over 40 years.
As teenagers, they were blessed to accept Jesus Christ in youth group, and enjoy the soul love of two who knew that bond. Sean felt his life was always blessed. Faith first, which he was able to share and secure his precious children with. Second, his enjoyment of his family: his cherished wife and amazing daughters who went on to bring sons-in-law to the family that Sean was proud to call his own. Most importantly, both girls introduced him to the indescribable joy of grandparenting, something he treasured beyond words.
He loved growing a small concrete business from a goat barn to a national entity today. He made friends with most all his customers, and even though he had turned most of the business over to his family, he kept his fingers on quality and service.
He spent these last few years with amazing aviation opportunities. He loved the missions he flew and the people he helped. He enjoyed the families he contracted with, and felt they were a part of his own. He mentored several pilots and got great satisfaction encouraging them to reach their goals.
Two opportunities are available to remember Sean with support to the aviation and aerobatic communities that he enjoyed so much.
Sean takes off for the box in his Staudacher S300 at the 2019 Giles Henderson Memorial Challenge in Salem, Illinois.
Photo by Carmelo Turdo
