William McKee, 62

William McKee, a Cashiers local, and all around sports enthusiast died suddenly on Saturday, October 25. William was a climber, hiker, runner and cyclist. He was active with the Carolina Climbers Coalition, the Tour de Cashiers, Friends of Panthertown, the Cashiers summer music series. More than once William saved climbers the long walk out of Laurel Knob in a summer down pour by driving in to get them. As much as anyone he rehabilitated the reputation of climbing as a sport with private land owners in the valley. He will be missed.

I never knew William, but I have definitely benefited from his passion for the Cashiers area...his zest and support will be missed by the entire community!

William was a nice guy, and in typical Cashiers fashion, was fairly protective of the local areas. He was active in helping preserve LK and he will be missed. I often saw him on his bike and he seemed pretty fit. Unfortunate.

Sad news. I didn't know him very well but we ran into each other a few times. At LK last summer he was climbing 5.9 with an old school ice axe hanging off his harness, what a character. I last saw him the day we did Blue Valley falls (ice). He had just done the route with a couple of folks when we got to the base. Always experienced a friendly encounter and he was really into climbing. He'll be missed.

William was a lifer and a good man. Climbed with him three weeks ago and helped him entertain Harry Farthing a high altitude climber who just got a place in Toxaway and was interested in getting back to rock climbing. He and Robin Wheaton were the only two locals to reach out to Wayne and I personally about why we were fighting to keep new routes from being micromanaged. He will be greatly missed.

Never met him but I have followed many of his footsteps through the WNC hills. RIP.

Back on the grid and only now learning of this. He was very kind. He will be missed.

Damn that sucks. I worked at the Wade while at WCU. One of the few members we actually liked.