June 26, 1975 – Dec. 2, 2021
On Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, Sean Contes, our dear friend, passed away at the age of 46.
Sean was born on June 26, 1975, and spent most of his life in Alaska. He lived with his mother off Chena Hot Springs Road for many years and would tell stories about riding his snowmachine in 20 degrees below zero all the way down Chena Hot Springs Road. He enjoyed living in Alaska and enjoyed his community of friends he had in Fairbanks.
Sean was an individual who experienced a developmental disability, seizures and memory issues. He faced challenges daily related to his disabilities. Because of his own experiences, he became a big advocate for individuals who experience disabilities. Sean became involved early in his life in Special Olympics, People First, traveled to Juneau to represent the Key Coalition on multiple occasions and was on the Crossroads Counseling & Training board for many years. Sean believed that people with disabilities should live as independently as possible and be able to make their own decisions. Sean was proud of his own abilities and felt proud of his accomplishments including living on his own in his own apartment and being able to oversee his own finances. Sean felt like a disability shouldn’t limit anyone. Sean was assisted in his life mission of independence by several agencies in Fairbanks including Fairbanks Resource Agency, Crossroads Counseling & Training, Infinite Options Care Coordination Services, Shangri La Ranch and Branching Out Supported Services. Sean felt lucky to have such wonderful supports throughout his life which helped him accomplish his dreams.
Sean was a hard worker and worked for many years at Crossroads Counseling & Training, Infinite Options Care Coordination Services and for Branching Out Supported Services completing janitorial tasks and recently had the opportunity to work on a yard crew in the community. Community members were so thankful of Sean’s hard work shoveling snow from their sidewalks, raking leaves from their lawns and mowing their lawns. Sean loved to play golf and enjoyed the opportunities he had to play with one of his best friends, Stan. Sean also loved spending time with one of his other best friends, James. When they spent time together, they would bowl, go to the movies, watch TV, share meals, or go for walks. Sean sometimes watched wrestling with James on Wednesday evenings.
Sean lived in his own apartment with his cat. He loved his furry friend who always kept him company. Sean loved to travel and recently had the opportunity to travel to Washington to reconnect with extended family. Sean also traveled to Georgia with Stan. Sadly, Sean was preparing for another big adventure before he passed away. Sean was planning a big trip to Georgia and Florida with Stan and then was going to spend Christmas with his family in Washington.
Sean was preceded in his death by his mother, Renee Orr and several grandparents. Sean is survived by many extended family members in Washington and his many, many friends in Alaska, especially his best friends, James and Stan.
Sean had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He was so genuine and kind. Sean will truly be missed by all who knew him.
Please join us at 3?p.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at Shangri La Ranch, 2894 Elvira Road, in North Pole to celebrate Sean’s life. Please bring your memories and stories to share.
Published by Daily News-Miner on Mar. 26, 2022.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the
