Dwight McCain, 79

On a beautiful, bluebird sky day of Jan. 18, 2024, on Mt. Spokane, covered with glistening fresh powder snow, Dwight Allan McCain passed away as he lived his life, loving every moment and in his perfect way, God’s Day.

Dwight lived in Coeur d’Alene with his wife, Marty (Martha) Cornwall McCain. He called the Northwest home his entire life, living on both coasts and in Idaho when not traveling the world. Born in Wenatchee in 1944 to Charles and Rae McCain, Dwight was the second of five children: oldest sister Karen; younger twin sisters Judy and Jodi; and younger brother Jeff. He spent his childhood in Metaline Falls, Wash., as any boy in a small town would, adventuring and exploring the wilderness surrounding his home and being generally mischievous when he thought he could get away with it. He rarely did.

Dwight graduated from WSU in Army ROTC. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corp and went on to fly Air Ambulance for medical evacuations in Vietnam. He flew missions as a Dustoff Pilot to extract combat casualties, patients, blood and VIPs. He spent over 2 1/2 years in the army, eight months in Vietnam before his helicopter was shot down, inflicting Dwight with a bullet wound that would affect his foot and mobility for the rest of his life, though it in no way slowed him down. He retired from the military as a Captain in 1969 and was awarded the Purple Heart and other medals for his Vietnam service. He was a proud veteran of the Army and an active member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Assn.

After his military service came to an end, he and his wife moved to Bellingham, Wash., to attend school and work. It was there his first daughter, Erin McCain-Anderson was born in 1970. The family moved to Longview, Wash., where Dwight worked in the schools as an elementary counselor. It was from Longview in 1977 that he realized his ambition to bike ride across the country, twice, then headed over to bike across Europe where he enjoyed meeting and talking to strangers, learning about the world and exploring.

While in France, he surprised his sister, Judy, and spent time with her and her family. The Church called him to Seattle, then to Coeur d’Alene, where he met his second wife. They adopted Dwight’s second daughter, Naomi McCain, in 1992. 

Dwight met Marty, the love of his life, in 2006 and they married in 2009. They enjoyed many camping trips with the kayak club, ski trips with the ski club and road trips to see family and friends and spending time with the grandkids. Both Dwight and Marty were born in February; they were looking forward to a Feb. 1 Hawaiian cruise to celebrate their milestone birthdays. Sadly, Dwight missed the boat by 12 days.

A passionate outdoorsman, Dwight was active in any number of community events, volunteer organizations and a tree pruner for the city. He was instrumental in helping maintain the Fourth of July X-country ski area with the Panhandle Nordic Club, was President of the Cd’A Canoe and Kayak Club, and was part of the Kayak Support team for the swimmers of Ironman since the beginning, the Cd’A Crossing and Race the river, where he rescued a swimmer having a heart attack from drowning. He belonged to the Retired Ramsey Teachers group, fondly known as RnR. 

Through his life here, he built an enormous community of friends. He was known around town for riding his trusty recumbent bike with its distinctive faring, wearing his signature lime green shirts. Dwight loved telling stories of his many adventures to all who would listen. He was a thrifter and collector, always finding just what he needed and always acknowledging the Lord’s provision. Dwight had a deep personal relationship with his Lord and Savior, having a strong belief and reliance on a loving God, who is always with us in the good times and the challenging times. He was always helping family, friends and strangers alike. He attended Lake City Church for 23 years, serving faithfully as a parking lot attendant, where he took great pride in keeping the area free of debris and gum, as well as kindly encouraging the patrons to park with consideration of others. He left his earthly realm hearing “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant.”

Dwight leaves behind his wife, Marty McCain; sisters Karen (Justin), Jody (Dudley) and Judy; brother Jeff; daughters Erin (Brian) and Naomi; and grandchildren Colton, Wren and Lillianna; step-daughter Heather (Brad) and step-son Nick (Tessa) and grandchildren BaileyJo, Zoey, Noah, Asher and Roper; also numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. It is with great love we send Dwight off to his eternal resting place in Heaven, where we know he is watching over us.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made in his name to the Union Gospel Mission’s Women and Children’s Program (uniongospelmission.org) or the Spokane Nordic Ski Association (spokanenordic.org).

The memorial service will be Thursday, April 18 at 10 a.m. at Lake City Church at 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The interment will be at Washington Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. Online registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.