Wesley Randall McCabe, 26, of Urbana, died Tuesday, September 4, 2012, at home.

Wes was born at home on June 21, 1986, along with his twin sister, Nora, to loving parents Janice Hume and Randy McCabe.

Wes grew up in Urbana, and graduated from Urbana High School ('04), where he enjoyed playing on the soccer and basketball teams, as well as spending time with dear friends. At the time of his death, Wes was one semester away from graduating from University of Illinois at Springfield with a Bachelors in Philosophy.

Wes amazed those around him with his brilliant mind and his shrewd, forgiving perspective on our world and the people in it. He enjoyed playing chess, reading philosophy texts and novels by Kurt Vonnegut, and debating with family and friends. His sense of humor was unique, disarming, astute, and will be greatly missed.

Wes loved, and was loved by, his family. Wes often told his parents they were his "favorite people". He and his dad were together nearly every day, catfishing on Lake of Egypt, scheming about money-making ventures, and shooting the bull about life. Times spent watching Illini basketball games, working on projects together, and enjoying nature with his mom were also very dear to him. He bonded with his sister Emily over their mutual love of animals, music, and literature. Wes shared a particularly special connection with his twin sister and best friend, Nora, whom he loved and protected.

He enjoyed spending time with pets past and present; family dogs Lily, Jenny, Amos and Jack, and especially with his dog, Boots. Patience and understanding came easily to Wes in his dealings with animals and humans, and he leaves behind a family who hopes to emulate his thoughtful, affectionate, and compassionate way as we continue on in his memory.

Wes is survived by his parents, who reside in Urbana.

Also surviving are his sisters, Nora McCabe of Homer, and Emily McCabe of Urbana.

He is also survived by his grandmother, Virginia McCabe of Woodstock, IL; aunt and uncle Rhonda Summerland and Mat Williams of Index, WA; aunt and uncle Becky and Ken McCabe of St. Charles, IL; aunt and uncle Debra and Doug Anderson of Woodstock, IL; and cousins Chloe Summerland, Jesse McCabe, Michael McCabe, Sarah Anderson, and Laura Anderson.

A memorial visitation will be held at 10 am on Saturday, September 15, at Renner-Wikoff Funeral Home on Philo Road in Urbana until noon, at which time there will be a service.

Memorial contributions in Wes' name can be made to Community Elements, or to the Champaign County Humane Society. "So it goes..."

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.