John McCain, 81, passed away Saturday after fighting an aggressive brain cancer for over a year. He spent his last days at his ranch -- his second home -- just outside of Sedona. He was well known for his love for the Arizona landscape and residents in area came out to honor him Saturday.
John McCain represented more than a political party to some Arizonans; he was also an icon and people of different politic affiliations have expressed respect for the senator.
At the Up the Creek Bistro, which the family often frequented, McCain was remembered for requesting songs from Abba and South Pacific. He always ate his favorite buttermilk pie and when he was having a drink at the bar there was one rule: no politics allowed.
“He represented Arizona well. I may have not of agreed with every single one of his policies, but he was a noble individual and he made a great contribution to this country. Even in the last year, when politics are so crazy, we counted on John McCain to be a voice of sanity,” said one person.
Another resident said, “John McCain could learn from his mistakes and he wouldn’t make the same mistakes over and over again.”
A member of the Cornville Historical Society mentioned she had a chance encounter with McCain at a local supermarket.
"I remember he was a really nice guy, very approachable. At instance said hi. Got a picture with him. He was never standoffish. He represents Arizona in everything he is as a person, politics aside.”
Many respected McCain for his service to his country, his time as a POW, more than decades representing Arizona, but mostly for the human being he was.
