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BORN

1977

DIED

2014

MCCLAIN PETERSON Obituary

MCCLAIN PETERSON McClain Lehman Peterson, 37, of Las Vegas, was born Nov. 6, 1977, in Santa Cruz, Calif., and passed away the morning of Nov. 22, 2014. McClain graduated from Western High School in Las Vegas in 1996. In 2000, he earned a bachelor's degree in environmental policy analysis from the University of Nevada-Reno, and a master's degree in economics from University of Nevada-Las Vegas in 2002. While at the University of Nevada-Reno, he was a member of the Washoe County Search and Rescue Hasty team and an emergency medical technician. He worked for 15 years at the Nevada division of the Colorado River Commission, where he was the natural resource manager for 10 years. McClain was funny, original, ridiculously engaging and as smart-as-a-whip. He lived his life with impressive determination and passion. A natural competitor, he boxed and studied various martial arts. He loved guns and could hit any target with a pistol or rifle. He ran marathons in Las Vegas and Washington, D.C., and loved to fish, hike, backpack and camp. With superlative strength and endurance, he climbed mountains and ice in the United States and South America, often with his best friend, Vic Caruso. An accomplished and creative craftsman, he extensively remodeled his home in Summerlin, and built a beautiful cabin on land he hand-cleared in rural Utah. His beloved dog was an adopted, fence-jumping Border collie mix named Callie. Over the past year, McClain's young life deteriorated as he succumbed to his struggle with the insidious and unrelenting physical ravages and emotional despair of alcoholism and its material consequences. He enthusiastically and resolutely met and clearly exceeded every challenge he faced and every goal he set, except this ultimate one. His precious and enduring spirit will be seen by us in every sunrise and sunset, every mountain, every tree, every wild animal and every little boy's passing smile. It will be felt in the sunshine and the wind, in every nourishing rain drop and every soft and loving human touch. Besides numerous cousins, aunts and uncles across the country, he is survived by his wife, Nina; his father and mother, Steve and Mary Sue Peterson; his sisters, Mercy Peterson and Sierra Peterson; and his nephew, Draven Shank, all of Las Vegas. McClain was a beautiful boy and a beautiful man. He was loved and will be missed, truly, beyond any measure. We promise that in our heart-of-hearts, our memories and the appreciation of his life will never diminish. Private services are pending.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Nov. 30, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for MCCLAIN PETERSON

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Leslie James

November 24, 2024

Very hard to believe it has been 10 years since we've lost our friend. A reminder came in my email this morning, and I wanted to reach out to his family. I lost my only son, J.D., at age 30, just 4 years after McClain passed. Too many good, young, people face this struggle. My hugs to McClains family.
Leslie James

Tiffany Terwilliger

February 9, 2018

He sounds like a wonderful person honestly, he will forever be in our hearts RIP.

Draven Shank

January 12, 2017

He was a great Uncle, i loved hanging out with him. It made me so happy when i would see him smile. So many times he went out of his way for me. i remember when i was younger he bought me an RC car that i did not have enough tickets for when i was at the arcade. Then, there was another time where he went out and bought these little tiny rockets that we shot up into the air, in the little tiny desert behind his house. Speaking of his house, he did an amazing job, he remolded the whole thing from floor to roof, and some day i wish to be just like him. Just as amazing, and just as unique.

Kathy Obenhaus

June 29, 2015

So very sad to hear of McClain's passing. We worked together on the Zion View Property Owners Association board, where he served as President. I knew him but a brief time but it was easy to see how bright and talented he was. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you as you travel with your grief, knowing how much you must still miss him.

December 20, 2014

The first time I met McClain was at my daughters graduation from nursing school. His wife, Nina was part of our family and friends with my daughter since the age of 6. McClain sat next to me and we immediately clicked. I found him to be charming and funny; plus I could see how he loved Nina as she loved McClain. Nina and McClain were part of our family and joined us
last Christmas. I truly anticipated sharing many happy holidays with McClain and Nina.
McClain if you see my husband, Glenn- please tell him how much he's missed.
You will be missed!

December 12, 2014

Since so many others have so beautifully said what I would have said, I thought I would tell a few stories about McClain that show what a beautiful person he was. He once told me of a plan to help random strangers, like a struggling single mom, by paying off her house or giving someone in great need a gift. He said he never wanted these people to know the gift came from him. He just wanted to help.

Similarly he wanted to get involved in politics to help people, which he initiated a few years ago and loved. He talked with such passion about campaigning with the Nevada governor. And as you all know he was an EMT and did search and rescue missions in college. He did these things because he loved to help people. Once we arrived at an accident where a woman and her 4 kids were hurt and hysterical. Other bystanders stood and stared, but McClain without hesitation jumped out of his truck with his EMT bag, told the bystanders to call 911 and he ran straight to help the family. He stayed with them 30 minutes until ambulances arrived. Another time at his cabin, I told him a woman was in a four wheeler accident. Again without hesitation he and his dog Callie jumped in the truck to go help her. Not only did McClain know how to assist medically, but he also took a leadership role and calmed everyone by telling them exactly what to do. You couldn't help but feel safe and protected around McClain. He tried to help everyone.

I once asked him, what brings you satisfaction and joy in life? He said “a great challenge”! He took on challenge after challenge. But also, he thought being a father would bring him great joy. He told me of all the lessons he would teach his kids. In the meantime he tried to share this knowledge and love with the other kids in his own family. He was very involved and loving to them. McClain also had many creative skills. He loved photography of people, animals, and nature. And he had a fashion sense in remodeling and decorating his home and building his cabin. He took great care in the details.

Regarding his work, we had the opportunity to work together off and on over the course of almost a decade. I was always jealous that I had to work so hard for my success, yet it came so easy to him. I noticed there were a few reasons for that. In negotiations with the other states he was quick to notice when something didn't add up for Nevada and he came up with brilliant solutions to let everyone win. He was a facilitator and a leader.

Once I had children and moved to a new department at work, we lost touch in the last couple years. But I had no concerns for McClain and I had hoped he would find much happiness in his next life goal: to find a wife and have a family of his own. I am so sad that he was not able to reach his dream to be the best dad in the world. He deserved it!

December 10, 2014

I was truly lost and shocked to hear of McClain's passing. He was such a bright and spirited spot on this earth. To have that light burn out so quickly is shocking. He was always the sweetest and quickest wit for me. His passing is a sad thing that can't be explained. I hope that he has found the peace he always seemed to be seeking. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

December 4, 2014

I was saddened to hear that we lost McClain so early. My time spent with McClain was always full of laughter. He always had that glint in his eye that said I'm having more fun than you. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP McClain... you will BE MISSED!!! Love, Tobin.

Cole Green

December 3, 2014

I can only hope that you are at peace now after all of the tribulations you have been through that kept you unsettled. I wish you more laughter and love with your new spirit.

December 3, 2014

Our hearts are deeply saddened by your loss of a wonderful young vital man. Please accept our thoughts and prayers and know that we are thinking of all of you.

With love,
Aunt Mary and Uncle Mike Kelling

December 2, 2014

Mr. Peterson, putting your feelings to this beautiful tribute to McClain must have been one of the hardest things you have ever done. Please know that these words will serve as a lasting memory of McClain for all of us.
Thank you.

Leslie

December 2, 2014

Condolences to McClain's family and friends. I had the opportunity of knowing McClain through work activities,and I appreciated his economics knowledge, learned much from him, and enjoyed his wit and friendship.
To McClain's parents and other family members: I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that each of you can find comfort and solace in your own good memories of McClain.

We share your grief with the loss of McClain.

mercy Draven peterson shank

December 2, 2014

My brother was an amazing man thank u for these beautifull memories.I am lost and broken without you but I will live for u.I truly heartfelt love and thanks for these beautifull words my dad wrote they are everything he was and he would be so proud.Draven and I will love u forever and miss u everyday.You will always be our hero our superman.Fly free my brother fly free

Dawn and David Moore

December 2, 2014

My husband, David, and I last saw McClain in late July, 2013 at a summer NWRA meeting in Stevenson, WA. I had known McClain since his stint in D. C. as an NWRA Fellow at least 10 years back and was always delighted to see him at their meetings. He ate dinner with us one night, and we also gave him a ride back to the airport at the conclusion of the meeting. While I knew he was very bright with a lot of promise, David was very impressed with both his intelligence and his manner. He was SO happy that day and showed us both a picture of his future bride. He couldn't wait to get back home to see her! We are both sad at the news of his passing. He will be missed by all.

Craig

December 2, 2014

Craig

December 2, 2014

I will remember McClain at the next shoot. He will be missed, but now his troubles are over.

Tom

December 1, 2014

I remember McClain for his stories of passion for fitness and adventure. I send my sympathies to McClain's loved ones and thoughts and prayers that your memories may ease your pain and McClain may rest in peace.

Starla Reed/Sumner

December 1, 2014

This has taken me a while to write here. I have so much to say but can't chose the right words I guess. McClain was a very caring, generous, outgoing, lovable person. His smile would light up any room. It's still very hard to believe you are gone. When I was in your house the other day I felt you there, like you wrapped your arms around me to let me know you are ok and you are no longer hurting. That put me at ease a little bit. But I am going to have to go on now with my life without you here with me, but I believe your spirit will always be around. McClains Mom and Dad, my heart goes out to you and the rest of his family, it is not suppose to happen this way. You brought him up to be the wonderful man he was!!! That was you guys! I know there is no words to make the pain go away, but we all know he is no longer in that pain he was in. I love you McClain. I will always be thinkin of you, until we meet again. I miss you so very much already.

Sandra Harris

December 1, 2014

Truly a remarkable young man! I am deeply sorry and extremely shocked to hear of his passing. My prayers are with this family of such an amazing gentleman!

Nicole

December 1, 2014

Very sad to hear of McClain's passing. An amazing spirit he certainly did have. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I am so very sorry for your loss.

J. A. Q. & T. D. J.

December 1, 2014

May the warm winds of Heaven
Blow softly upon your face.
May the Great Spirit bless you as you enter there.

Rebecca Shenk

November 30, 2014

MacClain, may your soul rest in eternal peace my old friend!!!

Nicole Wilson

November 30, 2014

When I read about your passing on Facebook, my heart dropped. Its been about 10 years since the last time I saw you but I thought about you often. I often wondered how you were doing and hoped that you were happy. Sometimes I would Google your name to see your accomplishments and what you were recognized for. You were an amazing man and I'm truly thankful for the time we had together. My trips to Reno to see you and going to San Francisco for my 20th birthday. R.I.P. McClain! I pray that you're finally at peace. My heart goes out to his family and close friends. You touched so many people in different ways. Miss you!

Beverly McKague

November 30, 2014

I was shocked to hear of McClain ' s passing. He had an amazing spirit and will be truly missed.

November 30, 2014

Beautiful tribute to MCClain. He was an accomplished your man. Thinking of you in this difficult time.

Trudy McClain

November 30, 2014

Very sad to hear that McClain is gone. My heart goes out to his family and friends!

November 29, 2014

I am truly so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with McClains family.

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