On July 23, 2023, after a long and fateful battle against the direct and indirect effects of diabetes, Stan McCain passed from this life into the hope promised by his deep and profound faith in Jesus Christ. Stan was born on August 7, 1956, in Nampa's Mercy Hospital to Lester and Alice McCain (Blayney), and he lived most of his life in Nampa. He attended West Junior High and Nampa High School, and throughout his life enjoyed numerous friendships formed during those years. He subsequently continued his education at Boise State University. For almost 40 years, Stan worked in the food service industry as a broker representing food lines to restaurants and other institutional clients. It was, in fact, on a business trip to eastern Idaho that he suffered the tragic auto accident that so radically altered his life. Stan loved physical activity. Although he wrestled in high school, he preferred sports like shooting and weightlifting where he could push himself to improve his own abilities. Exercise was a mainstay of his life, and most days he spent hours working out in his basement. His devotion to disciplined exercise was driven both by a desire to stay fit and as a way to help manage the blood-sugar distortions of diabetes. During his treatment at Craig, Stan's disciplined approach to managing diabetes inspired and helped to rewrite some of the hospital's policies on managing diabetic care. In addition to his emphasis on physical activity, Stan had a keen mind and loved to read. Among many other things, he avidly read the Bible and writings that helped refine and define his rock-solid religious faith. As a result, conversations with him on religion were informative and challenged a deeper contemplation of one's own faith. Those who talked with him say he often influenced their thinking. Certainly, no one who talked with Stan had any doubt that he believed deeply in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. The accident that so radically altered Stan's life occurred on March 1, 2018. The diabetes, which he had battled for decades, pushed his blood-sugar level low as Stan drove Interstate 84 on a business trip. The resulting rollover crushed vertebrae in his spine that left him largely paralyzed from the neck down. Throughout a horrendous recovery, Stan was heavily supported by his faith in God, his loving family, and the expertise of the medical professionals who assisted him. The family is especially grateful to the staff at Craig Hospital in Denver and the home health care angels who cared for him over the last few years. Ultimately, however, the wounds that so often afflict those who are physically confined developed infections that overwhelmed his body's defenses. As difficult as life was after the accident, there seems little question that Stan would not have lasted as long or fared as well as he did were it not for his family. Family was always a cornerstone of Stan's life. He met the love of his life, Kim Lindsey, shortly after high school and they married on August 7, 1976. They were further blessed by their two sons' families and numerous "adopted" family members and relatives who added love to holidays, Sunday night dinners, and other regular clan gatherings. Stan and Kim rejoiced in the joys of life together, and supported each other through the difficult times. Most mornings Stan would start the day by singing "You are my sunshine" to Kim (although not always on key). Over the last five years, Stan's love for his wife gave him the will to keep fighting while Kim became indispensable in overseeing and helping to provide the care Stan required to continue. Despite the many awful challenges, Kim and his family are grateful for the "extra" five years of love they shared with Stan beyond his tragic accident. Stan is survived by his wife, Kim; his sons Scott McCain (Mandy) and Brad McCain (Ashley); plus grandchildren: Greer Taylor (Adam), Cooper McCain (Liberty), Hunter McCain and Addie McCain; as well as great-granddaughters Briggs and Emerson Taylor. He is also survived by a brother Bruce McCain; sisters Doris McCain and Darlene Foreman; as well as nephews, nieces and many members of a large, extended family. A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 pm, Saturday, August 12 at Messiah Lutheran, 534 W Iowa Avenue in Nampa, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hodia Idaho Diabetes Youth Program, 5439 West Kendall Street, Boise, Idaho 83706. Venmo: @Hodia. To watch the services: https://www.youtube.com/live/c8HArf-oDdU?feature=share
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