Michael Curtis McCabe

March 11, 1956 - July 19, 2020

Michael McCabe, 64, of Torrington, entered eternal rest on July 19, 2020 at his home in Torrington surrounded by his family. Colyer Funeral Home assisted the family with cremation. Due to the COVID 19 regulations, attendees are encouraged to wear masks and come to the church, or those who wish may watch the memorial service on-line which will be live-streamed on Saturday, July 25 at mitchellberean.com/live at 1pm. The family asks that those who wish to donate in his memory, may do so to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Foundation, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Michael was born on March 11, 1956 in Torrington, Wyoming to Curtis and Helen McCabe. He married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Patricia Kerns, on June 26, 1977. Michael attended the Torrington public schools; graduating in 1974; went on to attend Eastern Wyoming College and University of Wyoming where he majored in Business Administration. While attending high school and college, Michael worked at the Torrington Municipal Airport and for the late Robert R. Booton Transportation in 1977 and was employed 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 and his greatest achievement came in May 2001 when he earned and held an airline transport pilot license. With his love for 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 that he and Patricia had owned over the years. Michael was also a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoc and was very 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. He 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. Also served on the Laramie County 4-H Council and coached Cheyenne Youth Basketball. Michael is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son CJ (Sarah) McCabe of Scottsbluff, NE; grandsons, Austin, Cooper and Breyer; his sister-in-law, Myrna McCabe of Gering, NE and a niece Myrna Dean (Oscar) Olivarez of Kerrville, TX; a brother-in-law, Dale (Jaci) Kerns of Lingle, Wy; and many extended family members and friends. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Melvin; parent in-laws, Jake and Ida Lou Kerns; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Weinkauf; and brothers-in-law Fred and Roy Kerns.