Kristin Elizabeth McLain

Kristin Elizabeth McLain loved life, adventure and serving others. She passed away April 27, 2015 during a helicopter rescue mission in Austin, TX, while pursuing her passion and sharing her gifts. She is survived by her husband, Winston Merrill; parents, Betty and Jerry McLain; sister, Stacey Dyer; nephew, Hunter; niece, Makalynne; brother-in-law, Mike Dyer; Swanee Ballman, aunt; Ronald Ballman, uncle; Don McLain, uncle; Judy McLain, aunt and numerous cousins.

Kristin was born in Colorado Springs February 10, 1969 and grew up at a boy's camp, Sanborn Western Camps at Florissant, CO, where she developed her love of horses. Those that experienced Kristin's grit and determination could attribute much of that to the hardy atmosphere she was raised in. She attended school at Woodland Park K-12, graduated in 1987, and played varsity basketball throughout her high school career.

While attending Colorado State University, Kristin received a degree in Equine Science and pursued her passion for treating and training horses. She graduated in 1992 after taking a year during college to intern at Meadow Wood Farm in Washington State, hauling and training horses around the country.

Upon graduation, Kristin continued to work on horse farms until she went back to school at The University of Northern Colorado and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In 2001 she worked in the ER at Denver Health Medical Center, which initiated a desire to pursue a career as a rescue flight nurse. She then worked at Flight For Life of Colorado in Denver and Summit County for 2 1/2 years at which time she met her husband, Winston Merrill. Kristin and Winston were the perfect match as they both shared a love for the outdoors, lake, water sports, good food and good friends.

Kristin was an athlete at heart and very driven. Whatever she set her mind to, she accomplished. In addition to always continuing her education and professional opportunities, Kristin was also dedicated to pursuing athletic endeavors that required mental and physical perseverance. She had completed numerous marathons, an Ironman triathlon and loved endurance paddleboard events. Kristin's stamina in fitness and athletics was contagious, as she shared that love and drive by continually motivating friends and family.

In 2008 Kristin moved to Austin and began her career with Star Flight as a flight nurse paramedic. Kristin loved flying, understood the risks that went with her rescue work, yet followed her heart to do what she loved regardless of the possibilities so she could serve – and save - others. When Kristin was not on the clock working for Star Flight, she could more often than not be found cooking, gardening, trail running, cycling, working out, mountain biking, wakesurfing, and paddle boarding with her husband and dear friends.

Kristin had a grace and passion about her for helping, serving and giving to others. That, combined with her love of the outdoors and athletic lifestyle, led to her commitment to The Flatwater Foundation. Annually, Kristin would provide EMT support as well as paddle 21 miles dam to dam on Lake Austin to help raise awareness and funds for wellness and counseling services for individuals and their families battling cancer.

Those that knew and loved Kristin would tell you that more than anything she had discipline and persistence combined with a caring, loving heart. Whatever Kristin put her mind to, she accomplished. Her tenacity was inspiring, but the heart that created it, tender and generous.

Kristen is already missed greatly. It is very difficult to replace someone that never thought of themselves before others, yet always managed to accomplish everything she set forth to do.

In lieu, of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Flatwater Foundation, 2525 South Lamar Blvd, Suite 9, Austin, TX 78704 or www.stayclassy.org/kristinm

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2015 at Hill Country Bible Church, 12124 RR 620 North, Austin, TX.