Dr. Wesley George McCain

August 7, 1942 – January 14, 2026

Wesley George McCain—known as Wes—died on January 14, 2026, in Florida, of pneumonia after 25 years with Parkinson’s disease. He was 83. His family was with him.

Diagnosed in midlife, Wes approached Parkinson’s as he did most challenges—by studying it closely, seeking the best care, and continuing to live with purpose and curiosity.

The measure of his life was not only in what he achieved, but in how easily he moved between the serious and the tender. He could persuade his wife that seals were visible where none existed, take the eleven o’clock feeding of his infant son, and quote a stock price from the 1950s. He avoided the spotlight, once described by Newsweek as “a top-performing money manager who hates to see his name in print.” His ethical compass was formed early; as a Boy Scout, he earned the God and Country Award.

During a period of family financial hardship, Wes boarded away from his family to finish high school in Midland, Michigan, where he supported himself. He earned a B.B.A. in finance from the University of Michigan in three years. At Columbia Business School—where a dean once took him shopping to meet the school’s blazer requirement—he received a Bronfman Scholarship, usually given to marketing majors.

He went on to Stanford University, earning both an M.A. and a Ph.D., with a focus on commodities. During those years, he lived in the back of garages and too often ate popcorn for dinner.

In 1968, Wes joined Columbia University as an assistant professor of finance and held an academic post until 1973. In 1969, he took a leave to serve as an economist in the White House under Arthur Burns, a counselor to the president. Disenchanted with politics, he soon returned to academic life.

In 1971, while still teaching, Wes founded Towneley Capital Management. His career ultimately spanned money management, mutual funds and hedge funds, venture capital, and board service across finance, manufacturing, and nonprofit organizations. Ahead of his time, he built firms largely run by women, including California Towneley. This firm continues today, serving institutional and private clients.

Wes supported scholarships and research institutions, especially Parkinson’s disease research. He became patient number one in a Parkinson’s gene study, which he funded. He also endowed a scholarship for tap dancing.

Wes loved travel and the outdoors, especially hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. He taught his son the patience required for fishing. He kept bees on his farm and once chased off a black bear intent on the hives.

Though he valued honesty, he admitted to one small transgression: cutting in line to escape the Eiffel Tower during a work slowdown.

Mr. McCain is survived by his wife, Noreene Storrie; his son, Malcolm McCain; his brother and sister, Donald McCain and Alberta Simmons; close friends Dr. Bill Sheldon and Bill Morrison; nieces and nephews; and his first wife, Lynda Klaridge McCain. He was grateful for the gentle care of Beverley Williams.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. A celebration of his life will be announced.