Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Stacy was born Nov. 22, 1952, in The Dalles, Ore., the second of John and Betty McLain’s three sons. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army, hoping to go to Vietnam. He was initially sent to Germany, but still insisted on volunteering for Vietnam. When he got there, he volunteered to be a helicopter door gunner, a dangerous job in a dangerous war. He never overcame the nightmares from that service and struggled with PTSD for the rest of his life. He left a legacy of successful children, niece and nephews, who remember fondly the bright light of his soul and lessons of life he taught us all. He was an incredibly smart and charming man with a great sense of humor.
Stacy married and divorced twice. He is survived by his mother, Betty Dean McLain Meister; brother, John; sons, Michael Colbary and Tyson McLain; daughters, Andrea McLain and Patricia McLain West; six grandchildren; two nephews; one niece; and ex-wives, Nan McLain; and Cheryl McLain-Stockman.
There will be no local service, but a graveside service at the Lyle-Balch Pioneer Cemetery in Lyle, Wash., will be held on October 24, 2015.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a favorite veterans charity, or to Disabled American Veterans, 877-426-2838, ext 3301 (toll-free) or cst@dav.org.
Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131.
