Death Of Shawn McCaslin

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Art Allen

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Dec 1, 2008, 10:08:26 AM12/1/08

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FEE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Death Of Shawn McCaslin

On Sunday November 23rd, Shawn McCaslin, 48, the husband of WASO fee program analyst Lisa Bourne, passed away due to the effects of a stroke.

Shawn had been the picture of health when he developed a headache on November 18th that would not subside. Doctors surmised he was having a severe reaction to medication and was transported to the hospital on Thursday. Apparently he suffered a stroke and was moved to the ICU and remained somewhat stable through Friday. The doctors explained that the next 48 to 72 hours were critical for maintaining stability.

On Saturday afternoon, he took a turn for the worse and his brain began to swell. He succumbed to the devastating effects of the stroke on Sunday morning. Lisa was with him through the night Saturday into Sunday morning to let him know how much he was loved by everyone around him.

Shawn's legacy will live on in their three-year-old daughter, McKechnie. As Shawn would have wanted, he will be cremated and his ashes will be spread in many of the places he loved.

A memorial service to celebrate Shawn's life will be held on Friday, November 28th, at 2 p.m. at the Beverley Hills United Methodist Church, 3512 Old Dominion Blvd., Alexandria, VA 22305. In lieu of flowers, an education fund has been established by Shawn's company to benefit their daughter. Checks may be made payable to McKECHNIE McCASLIN, c/o Ron Moriarty, Bank of America, 8300 Greensboro Drive, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102.

Shawn was born on June 17, 1960, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to a WWII veteran and Presbyterian minister and his mom, a homemaker and artist. He grew up throughout the South and graduated from Presbyterian College with a bachelor of arts degree. He developed a passion for travel after having spent a year in England getting a masters in international relations at the University of Southampton. Although his first love was history and international relations, his life path lead him to a 25 year successful career in real estate and mortgage banking.

Shawn was an artist, avid reader and passionate about history, particularly the Civil War. which was one reason he moved to the DC area, with access to many historical sites and battlefields and cultural outlets. He was a member of the Friends of Gettysburg and participated in many fundraising events to help them restore the battlefield in addition to participating in Civil War Roundtables. He loved music of all kinds and played the Great Highland Bagpipe competitively. He was very proud of his Scottish heritage and wore his clan's tartan every year at the Alexandria Scottish Walk.

Shawn and Lisa were married April 25, 2003. Their daughter, McKechnie Caroline Bourne McCaslin was a gift to them on October 19, 2005. Shawn's open affection, playfulness, humor, gentleness, love of music and reading enhanced and further sealed his love and close relationship with McKechnie.

Shawn is survived by his brothers Tom, Ian and John, his sister Barbara, mother Donna and those who love and miss him.

One shining light and comfort in all of this tragedy is knowing that Shawn's gift of his organs will bring life to those who may be suffering and in need.

Lisa has been part of the WASO Fee Management Program since 2001. She wishes to thank her many friends across the Service for their continued thoughts, prayers and moral support.