Miles Patrick McClure

Miles Patrick McClure, a most beautiful young man who loved deeply and cared widely, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2015 at the tender age of 27. An honorable son, brother, cousin, nephew and grandson, he proudly wore his Gaelic heritage on his chest, emblazoned with the McClure family motto "Spectemur Agendo" - "Let us be judged by our acts." Miles lived and breathed all things Seattle, and he earned the love of countless friends, whose hearts, like ours, are broken. Miles was born June 2, 1988, in Seattle, the first son of Patrick and Liz McClure. Miles was a calm baby, a power napper with a serious clutch on his blanket, Asi. When his younger brother Keith was born in 1991, Miles declared, "His name is Keezy." Miles was by nature shy, yet drew friends easily with his exploring, creating and imagining. There were dinosaur bones to unearth, squirrels to live-trap in the Queen Anne ravine, a Milk Carton Derby boat to build, and skateboarding to master into the night. He relished a swim in cold Northwest waters, told stories by campfires and was a master griller. Miles played centerfield, third base and pitched for QALL and made an impact on his Ingraham High School team. He had an eye for the perfect Christmas tree, and always had to peek at the presents. He was first a Chevy man, proud of his engine swap-out on his 1987 El Camino. He cheered for his beloved Mariners, Seahawks and Sonics.Miles overcame a severe accident at 18, and attended Central Washington University, where he embraced learning. History spoke to him, and we envied his recall of events and their context. Miles worked for his dad, Pat, as part of PJM Construction, building many of the pocket parks on Queen Anne and beyond, displaying the strong work ethic for which he was known.In 2013, Miles researched the North Dakota oil boom, polished his resume and headed east to Williston, where he worked for JMAC Resources laying water pipe, immune to the harsh winter. Despite vacationing in San Francisco, Denver, New York City and Phoenix, Miles held Seattle close and was thrilled at its construction boom. He became a pipe layer with Seattle Local 440 in August 2014, bought a condo and waved off traffic congestion as a necessary part of the boom. We replay the sound of his roaring laughter, hold fast to the sight of his broad smile, and ache for his strong embrace. May his sparkling gray-green eyes light upon his first beloved cattle dog, Rusty, who no doubt is waiting to "go find Miles."Miles is preceded in death by Grandfathers Donald McClure and Wilbur Nielsen; Uncle Thomas McClure; Aunt Subrenia Nielsen; and Cousin Emery Nielsen. He is survived by parents Patrick and Liz McClure, brother Keith McClure and his cattle dog Lacey; Grandmothers Ann McClure and Nancy Nielsen; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Miles will be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 700 W. Raye St., Seattle. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 26 at Butterworth Funeral Home, 520 W. Raye St. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Queen Anne Little League or Seattle Parks Foundation.