Champlin “Champ” Raymond McCahill, age 26 – SON, BROTHER, FRIEND, BRAIN CANCER SURVIVOR and aspiring CHEF – passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 15, 2022. He was surrounded by his loving mother, Peaches, and his four older siblings. Champ grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 2015 where he was a beloved classmate and Homecoming King.
Champlin was a survivor. As the youngest son of the late Raymond McCahill, he battled and conquered brain cancer at the age of 14. His courage and strength inspired his community to rally behind him as “Team Champ.”
Champlin was special. He was known for his beautiful smile and his joyful heart. He was quick with a joke and everyone’s biggest cheerleader, never missing a moment to cheer on the Fighting Irish, Da Bears, and Villanova basketball. He spent his time perfecting a flawless omelet and his golf swing, re-watching classic comedies, and breaking it down on the dance floor.
Champlin was kind. A friend to many, he was known for the love and compassion he showed others. He valued his relationship with his family and friends, but none were more important than his love of God. Through many challenges, he sourced his endless strength through his faith and belief in the Lord.
Champlin was loved. He is survived by his mother Peaches McCahill; sisters Katelin (Cody) Spielmaker and Molly (Nate) Lowe; and brothers Michael (Kelly) and Ryan (Allie) McCahill. Champlin was deeply loved by all of his family, especially his nieces and nephews Scout, Ray, Soren, Bearett, Parker, Palmer, River, and Layla. His beautiful spirit will be carried in the hearts of his loving grandmother, Dolores Neller, and his boisterous large Irish Catholic family.
Family will greet visitors 1-4 pm and 6-8 pm Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with a Rosary service at 7:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 am Thursday, September 22, 2022, at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 215 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Fr. Mark Przybysz presiding.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Ray McCahill Family Fund, through the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Champlin and his siblings established this fund in honor of their father to support community youth development and athletic and educational programs where financial need is a barrier to participation.
13 Responses
My friend with an uplifting personality that made me and my family smile with him.. It was very nice knowing you Champ RIP !!!!!
Champ’s far too short of a life on earth exemplifies all things good and we must learn to be like Champ daily. God bless his beautiful soul and know I am a better human having known and called Champlain my friend
Champ will be sorely missed by anyone who was lucky enough to know him. I attended aquinas with him and I know first hand how special he was. Always the biggest smile and the warmest hugs when passing on campus or at the occasional basketball house party!
Champ, we loved you and we will remember you so fondly ❤️
Champ’s smile and personality was a gift to us all. He was a special young man and part of a special family. He showed us how to live life with love, dignity and grace. ❤️
Champ was a little boy when I was first hired by Ray and Peaches… Remembering his sweet face and quick wit and loving family ❤️ He had the kindest soul, and I am so sad that he’s gone….. Heaven gained the Best Angel????
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dearest Katelin and Family,
I was deeply touched by the beautiful description of Champ. What a life he packed into his 26 brief years.
May God bless your family as you work through this very difficult time.
Fondly, Bob Andrews
Dear Peaches and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Champ. He had a love for life that was contagious! His smile and outgoing personality were one of a kind.
Prayers for you all that the passing days you find comfort in all the memories and how he touched so many people. He will be missed but is now in place with no more pain and you all gained another guardian angel!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you celebrate Champ’s amazing life.
We understand both the feeling of gratitude that Champ is in the arms of Jesus while also experiencing the heartbreak of his loss in your family.
He will be in your hearts forever.
Champ was my connection to the memory of his dad. A piece of my world crumbled with Champ’s passing. Yet, I can’t imagine the depth of sorrow his departure caused for Peaches, his brothers and sisters, and those who knew him more closely than I. My sincerest sympathies.
Our prayers are with you and the blessing for the peace of mind knowing that Champ served his Lord while with us by being a light and example of genuine love, compassion and understanding to all whom he came in contact with. Take heart in knowing that Champ’s presence will influence the lives of many for years and generations to come.
We are forever grateful for the many ways that Champ enriched our lives – his strength, his smile, his courage, his laugh, his jokes, his faith, his big heart, his endless love for family and friends. He was truly one of a kind and there is no doubt his legacy will carry on through those blessed by his friendship, like us. Rest in peace, Champ.
Katelin and family,
Vinny and I are so incredibly sorry for your loss. We’re all thinking and praying for you and your family.
Love and Blessings
Vinny and Dayna Pappalardo