The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Kim Marie McCarthy passed away September 20, 2023 at her home. She was born September 10, 1965, to parents Steve Shehan and Laurie Smith Wright.

Raised in Sisters her whole life, she attended school in Sisters and Redmond.

Kim was a self-made woman who wore many hats, she was a potter at Pam + Mike's Pottery shop in Sisters for several years in the 1980s; she went on to help run Sisters KOA with her in-laws Denny and Cindy McCarthy; she was a bookkeeper for many businesses in Sisters including Bronco Billy's, E-Bar in Redmond, and her friend Joe in Lone Pine.

She also ran a successful carpenter scratch pad business - everyone owns one or was given one, whether you wanted one or not.

She married Dan McCarthy August 1, 1993, at Proxy Falls. They have two sons, Gregory, born in 1983 and Joshua, born in 1988. She always wanted the best for her boys, whether it was taking them to Sylvan for better learning, to Cub Scouts, or moving them cross-country to follow their dreams. As a young girl she loved music, swimming, and playing the piano, which she was taught by her great-grandpa and Miss Donna of Sisters.

She loved rock concerts and had the T-shirts to all she went to. She loved hunting and shooting her guns, of which she had many. She was a poet, artist, and avid reader of Stephen King. But most of all she was a mother, wife, and loyal friend.

But there is one other thing she loved most of all: The Oakland, Los Angeles, Las Vegas Raiders. Don't even think about calling during the game, even if you were dying, hurt, or otherwise; no one could interrupt the game for any reason. She would yell and scream at the TV, asking why she couldn't be the coach. She and Dan attended many games in person, which she loved. No one defines "fan" more than Kim. No matter how it turned out, she was still their biggest fan through thick and thin. "Gooo Raiders" was her catchphrase throughout, and every bar in town, no one dared cross her on her Raider Fanship.

She is survived by her loving husband, Dan; sons Gregory and Joshua (Sophie); grandsons Deegan, Conner, and Whatt; and granddaughter Natalie; her parents, Laurie and John Wright, Steve Shehan; her sisters, Kari Trachsel, Stephanie Coe, and their children, Andrew Thresher, Derrick May, Tristan Coe, Heath McIntyer; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews who will miss her dearly. Her infectious laugh, humor, and for teaching us all what "good for you" really means, and the meaning of loyal friend and true fan.

All that's left to say is "Gooo Raiders! Good for you!" Love and miss you always.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Ray and Naomi Smith, Geter and Pansy Shehan; uncles Cecil and Mike Smith; cousin Curtis; uncle Tim Shehan and aunt Donna Shehan; and in-laws Denny and Cindy McCarthy.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

What is the best fan? She owns every T-shirt, jacket, and coat. She won't even go out and smoke when the Raiders are on TV. She thinks they will pull one out of their sleeve. Just like the magician who thrills you with tricks, she wonders if Gannon can take one more lick. If Napoleon can catch one more high-flying ball then run to the end zone. The Raiders will be standing tall. I hope they never run down on their luck cause no one wants to be around when the only word is f---! The Raiders are on a winning season. This is because of only one reason. It's that fan that sticks by. When the Raiders are flying low and high. She is no traitor, you would never dare say, She just sits and wonders and waits for the next play. She will probably be buried in silver and black. Commitment to excellence will be inscribed on a plaque.

Poem written by Stephanie Coe.