A kind soul gone too soon but who is in a place where there is no pain. Thinking of you Sean!

Thinking of you, Sean, with your shy and mischievous smile, with much love, admiration and affection. May you be dancing with the angels now. And playing the euphonium, of course. Loud and jazzy.

I was recently back in Singapore and was really sad to hear that Sean had passed away . Back in the early 2000s we were involved in the international school university counsellors group .
He would occasionally ring me to ask a question about Singapore universities and have a wee chat about life . He was a faithful , loyal friend to many , he messaged me once to tell me he was going to be a dad and always talked about Uyen with such love .He had a great depth of understanding of people and knew how to bring out the best in people .professionally you were one of the best . Sean , life was better for knowing you . Rest in peace buddy .

Over the holidays, Sean and his family were very much in my thoughts and I would like to send Uyen, Liam and Matty lots of love and strength as they look forward to 2023.

When I think of Sean I think of his kind demeanor, his lighthearted humor, and just how clever and bright he was. I remember Sean’s smile and that chuckle that meant he was seeing something in a way few others were. When I first arrived in the UAC in my first counselor role Sean very quickly became a mentor and was always supportive, sharing insights, ensuring I knew he was available if I had a question and putting some of my self-doubt at ease. He would say, ‘the difference between you and us is that we’ve been doing this longer!’.

I remember being so impressed with the number of things that Sean was juggling: working in the boarding house, playing in a band, organizing a regional conference, teaching History and TOK and working as an advisor - and he did each one of those things with genuine care and dedication, he had so much to give in everything he was part of. And those of us around him gained so much from him. I loved the humor he injected into our presentations, adding a photo of Trump’s hair or calling the SATs a ‘Silly American Test’…. I love the way in which he saw the world. Sean was always thinking of others, and made sure to keep American traditions present in the small American community we had, organizing a Thanksgiving dinner and encouraging me to take it on once he left. 

I remember when Sean and his family had us over to experience our first Halloween in Woodlands. That evening, someone had left heir dog, Kirby, on their upstairs patio and Kirby ate an entire block of cheese that was meant to be an appetizer for Sean’s guests — it may have been the only time I saw Sean just a tiny bit upset. He was so thoughtful, caring and indeed was able to see the best in everyone. Sean is deeply, deeply missed. We send our love to Uyen, Liam and Matti and hope to have the opportunity to see you soon.

Sean relished a great conversation and could find humor in most everything.
On one of Sean and Uyen’s stateside visits, our family discussed what instrument Liam would play in beginner band. We all had our different views since we were all “band nerds” that played in high school. Sean, Uyen, and I even played together in the Hendrix College Wind Ensemble.
Sean, the tuba player, naturally wanted his son to play tuba. I voiced “Tuba? They just play long bass notes. They hardly get to play any melody or anything fun!”
We all thought trumpet would be a good instrument for Liam to start. Sean held fast to tuba being Liam’s instrument to play.

A few months later, Sean entertained me with this joke:
A tuba student arrives home after his first lesson. "What did you learn today, son?" asked his parents.
"I learned how to play Bb" the boy said excitedly.
The next week he arrives home after his tuba lesson and is asked what he learned today. "I learned how to play F" he once again said excitedly.
The following week the boy's parents are wondering why he is late coming home from his tuba lesson. They wait another hour and still nothing, then another hour passes and still nothing. The parents are becoming quite worried.
Finally, an hour later the boy arrives home. "Where have you been after your lesson?" asked his parents.
"Lesson?" the boy shouted excitedly. "I had a gig!"

We laughed. Sean knew I would love the joke because it would prove my point.
Sean was good-natured, humble, and was never above a little self-deprecating humor.
As I remember this story along with so many other fond memories of my brother-in- law. I find that the the tuba was the most suitable instrument for Sean. The tuba is the heart and balance of any band, and Sean was that for his family. We miss him terribly.

Sean was one of the kindest and most patient educators. I knew him as my University Advisor at UWCSEA, and honestly I am really lucky to have had Sean supporting me throughout the process. I remember being uncertain about what I wanted to do and where should I go, especially during decision time. Even though I was leaning towards one university, part of me was unsure about making that big decision. Sean was there during this tough time, to listen and give encouraging feedback to my long list of curious questions, and gave me the the confidence to make that decision. I was able to stay in touch with him for a couple of years after graduating from UWCSEA, and even had the chance to meet him in Singapore during one of my visits. During my initial pursuit of graduate school, Sean was the first person I reached out for advice. Although I did not end up going, his feedback and words of encouragement continues within me today.

Thank you for the great memories, Sean. I definitely won't be where I am today without you.

Sean was a great colleague and friend. He will remain forever in our hearts. His advice and mentorship as my colleague from UWC was precious. His invitation to present at GUCC gave me an opportunity to see how dedicated and professional and a great listener he was. We will miss his funny stories and great sense of humour over beers and food in particular that he seemed to enjoy. He was intrigued by the concept of "Indian - Chinese" which he had hoped to try.
Will always remember all the fun conversations and more serious TOK ideas we exchanged.
Kalpana Balan-Seitz

Sean was such a kind man. Although it is more than a few years now since we worked together, I still think of Sean often. Only this week I pulled out a teaching resource I got from Sean when we were teaching Theory of Knowledge together at UWCSEA and shared it with some of my current colleagues. I had great respect for Sean. He was patient, caring and carried with him a sense of calm, as well as a sense of humour. My heartfelt condolences to Sean’s family.

Simply put, Sean was a wonderful colleague. A calm, kind, compassionate, generous spirit with warmth and good humour in equal measures. Sean had time for everyone at any time. He was sorely missed when he left UWCSEA. Heartfelt condolences to Sean's family.

Sean was an a fantastic deputy principal at GEMS world Academy, Singapore. He displayed incredible leadership in this role; he was good listener, showed empathy and never too busy to lend support if needed. Most of all he was a good friend. He was so easy to talk to and to laugh with. He shall be missed immensely.

I was very saddened to learn of Sean's passing. He was a wonderful soul, and a great colleague and friend. He left us long before his time, as he still had much to contribute to the world. 

Having worked together at Bali International School for three years, Sean and I shared several uplifting moments, professional and personal. I could tell from his students what a fantastic teacher he was, from his boys what a tremendous father he was, and from his wife what a loving and caring husband he was. 

Sometimes we leave friendships to stagnate and do not keep in touch as much as we should. I regret allowing that to happen with Sean, though was glad that we got to speak on a video call as he made his way through Doha on his way back to the North America.

May God bless his family and offer them strength in these difficult times. And Sean, you will be missed. Go peacefully, Brother.

Knowing Sean was always better for a person than not. He wore his soul on his sleeve, allowing himself to be truly, unusually, vulnerable. His enveloping love will sustain his family as it did his friends, colleagues and students. The earth is better for Sean having lived on it and all those who knew him will grieve his passing.

Sean was not only my university advisor at UWCSEA, but most importantly one of the kindest and caring educators I have ever met. Being a scholar from a small town in the Czech Republic, Sean went above and beyond to understand my background and relate to me through his dual Central European and Vietnamese connection. Sean empowered me to pick the right university programmes to continue my academic journey and develop as a person. Shaping one of the most consequential decisions in my life, I am grateful to have grown under Sean's guidance. Just like with many of us, Sean stayed in touch after my graduation in Singapore and throughout my studies in the US, always happy to give an advice or words of encouragement.

Sean, you are dearly missed and I will look to carry your kind legacy with me. Rest in Peace.

My connection with Sean though fleeting, but his grace, presence, generosity and professionalism made a lasting impression. I strive to be an educator like Sean - forever curious, maintain an open mind, don't be afraid to ask questions, yet armed with a healthy dose of skepticim and alway carry a sense of humour and a big heart to share.

I had big shoes to fill when I entered my role at UWCSEA. Sean made my family's transition to Singapore feel so welcoming and stress-free. Not only did my family move into his family's former apartment, but I moved into his former office as well.

During my first week in Singapore, he casually mentioned that he had named the monitor lizard under our condo's stairs "Fluffy."

In Singapore, we became friends, and he was always generous with his time and was was fully present within each conversation.

He invited me to compete with his trivia team, and we also enjoyed a game of cards from time to time. I appreciated his sincerity and inclusion.

Within my professional sphere, there are many links to Sean. In the spring, I will deliver a still-current activity that Sean helped write years ago. I know there will be many more moments like the moment I described above.

I have such positive memories of his kindness, wit, and generosity.

We worked with Sean at the Overseas Family School in Singapore from 2006 until 2009, and we have stayed in touch since then. It was so easy to strike up a friendship with him, right from the start, as he helped us to settle in. He had just begun a new job in administration, something he tackled with his usual commitment and dedication. However, he and I (Brian) both taught History at the school, and he was a first class classroom teacher. He, Jeff Buscher and I formed a little group to observe each other's lessons, and Sean actually took over one of my IB classes when I was in hospital, towards the end of our time in Singapore. He obviously did not regard this as an imposition, but as a great opportunity to get into the classroom again.  It is unspeakably awful that he has died so young, and our hearts go out to his family. Sean was, quite simply, one of the very best, a great friend, a great teacher and a great human being. We will miss him. Alison and Brian

Such sad news, and as so many others have rightly said, such a warm hearted, kind and gentle soul. He was always keen for a chat, and I remember particularly fondly those about Music, History and Politics, to name a few. He was always generous with his time for others and his input to so many areas of school life, from Band to Boarding, from Common Room to UAC, reflected this openness and desire to get involved and to help. His positive attitude was infectious and ever-present. Sadly missed.

My deepest condolences to Yuen, Liam, Matty and all who knew and loved Sean.

I was deeply saddened when I heard that Sean had passed away. Although I didn’t know Sean that well, the times that we did get to know one another at college counselor gatherings left me touched by his friendliness and generosity as he shared his advice with me about various university related things. I can only imagine the wonderful father and husband that he must have been, and I pray that his family and friends find peace and healing in remembering what a beautiful soul he was, and always will be, to guide them in their future. He will be missed but remembered by so many people around the world.

Sean was one of the most caring and giving human beings that I have met in my lifetime. In his own way Sean embodied what Paul said in Acts 20:25-35. We should all strive to do the same. The world will truly be a better place if we do. Rest In Peace my good brother, Rest In Peace.

Thinking about Sean makes me smile.

What a great guy he was in life and will remain in memory.

One such memory is Sean always sharing his amazing TOK teaching resources with the whole team. He collated lists of books, movies and music he thought the students might find interesting and made lessons engaging and fun. 

I loved learning from Sean all about the Nacirema activity (American spelt backwards, which challenged student bias and perception of cultural norms). He took care to explain the activity and I've used it multiple times since then and always with happy thoughts of Sean when I do. 

A truly smashing bloke.

My deepest condolences to Yuen, the boys and all who new and loved Sean.

Rest in peace Sean.

Such a beautiful, gentle soul. I had the greatest respect for Sean as a fellow teacher of Theory of Knowledge at UWCSEA Dover and even more so as a warm, humble, compassionate friend. I have fond memories of an evening when Sean tried to teach me how to play Blackjack while we supped Japanese rice lager. I still can't play Blackjack, but I won't forget Sean's kindness. Comhbhrón ó chroí.

Sean was my university advisor at UWCSEA, and I can’t express how grateful I am for his guidance and mentorship. My dream was to attend university abroad, but I was faced with a very real financial obstacle which meant I needed a scholarship in order to achieve this goal. Sean was amazing and he helped me find and apply to a handful of universities in Canada, Japan and Australia that offered scholarships. He is the reason that I was able to obtain a full scholarship to attend the University of Victoria in Canada, and the reason that I’m now living out my 18 year old dream of living abroad. Thank you Sean, for everything you did to help me, you changed my life and I’m forever grateful.

Merci Sean for your devotion and passion, not forgetting your thoughtfulness [moon cake, tokens for our department] and care. You have definitely left a legacy behind and fought the good fight. Be well up there.

As a man who admittedly does not like too many people, I instantly fell in love with Sean when I met him at SAS. He was genuine in all he did and all he said. As gentle and kind as he always was, you knew instantly when he was frustrated or angry. He was pretty hilarious on those rare occasions when he got all worked up. No matter what, however, you always knew his heart, as he was not prone to covering that up. Sean was the kind of guy people liked being around. On a couple of occasions, I volunteered for jobs I really didn’t want to do only because I knew Sean was involved in them. Never one to draw attention to himself, Sean got it for the man he was regardless. He will surely be missed…

I first met Sean at UWC, where he was assigned to be my university advisor. I felt he had a challenge with me as a student since my interests in further academia were all over the place. He knew I was keen to study in the US and suggested a widespread of liberal arts colleges for me to look at for my, and through his help, I came across Skidmore. I am unbelievably grateful for his suggestion, as I had some of the best years of my life at Skidmore and that focus in academia came into its own.

I would not have achieved many of my successes post-UWC and Skidmore if not for Sean's guidance. He showed great passion in his work, and his energy was always positive. He celebrated every victory and guided me through every failure. 

I speak fondly of my memories with Sean even to this day among contemporary peers who inquire about my undergraduate education. I always mention his positive energy and excitement about his students. He would never judge, always listen, and offer constructive advice from his infinite wisdom.

He is not only a great advisor and educator but also an all-around fantastic human being.

You will be sorely missed, but your legacy will live on forever.

Sending much love to your family.

Thank you Sean for all you did for your work community and for your students. Your support for your students made an impact and you will be missed.

I have so many memories of Sean that make me smile. What a privilege to have worked with him for 6 years! With his high-energy, exuberant, fun-loving personality, he transformed our working environment into a more joyful place. Somehow he had the gift of keeping things lighthearted while pushing us to new levels of professionalism; he was brilliant, inventive, and wise, brimming over with new ideas to make things better, and I learned so much from this humble maverick of a guy. I always think of Sean as someone who 'popped in' - his multi-faceted talents hidden from view until someone said, 'Sean popped in to my class to....' 'Sean was great helping me out with....' and that's when you found out just how expansive his knowledge and talents were. He was full of surprises. And always thoughtful, generous, and imaginative in supporting others around him. There was the time one of our colleagues had a scary medical appointment. 'Come on, Linda,' said Sean at the end of the day. 'Let's surprise XXX to show our support.' And we popped in together to the waiting room and made her laugh when she arrived for her appointment. Sean has had an impact on so many lives that it would be a really long queue if we all lined up to express our love for him and our gratitude for knowing him. I am honored to take my place in the queue and say how lucky I am that I had a chance to know someone as special, as genuinely good-natured and big-hearted, as Sean. God bless you Sean, and comfort you Yuen, Matty, Liam, and I know that the angels will be partying in heaven to have you there.

Back in Japan, when Sean and Uyen were shopping for baby supplies for the yet-to-be-born Liam, Uyen was doing the responsible thing and was looking at cribs, clothes, and car seats. Sean, on the other hand, was temporarily distracted and noticed a laser tag set in the back of the store. His eyes lit up just imagining how much fun it would be to run around and play, only to have his dreams dashed when gently reminded that he’d have to wait a few more years. As we both walked away, empty handed and a little despondent, we noticed another young father-to-be make the same bee-line to the toys section and pick up the same laser tag set. Sean and I burst out laughing.

The first time I attended what was at the time a fledgling, informal gathering of Singapore international school college counselors, I couldn't help warm to one of the cheeriest people around the table - Sean McAuley, who was a teacher-counselor at OFS back then. Dimple-chinned, with a cheeky, endearing smile for everyone, Sean made each person feel welcome and it was impossible not to notice how smart, creative, tech-savvy, innovative, and generous-spirited he was.

Fast-forward to a few years later, when I had the opportunity to grow our team at UWCSEA-Dover, and Sean's application came across my desk (in those days, a literal file on my desk) - I was excited! Hiring Sean was one of the best decisions I ever made. He soon became not only the energizer-bunny of our team, but this font of endless ideas that helped us all grow. Almost every day, there would be a Sean moment that went something like: "Hey, Mallika, got a minute?" or "So I have this idea..." or "I was thinking...." and I knew there was an exciting Sean-place-to-go-to coming up! Apart from knowing him as an incredible colleague, we also got to know him as a loving and entertaining dad, with Liam and Matty adding much cheer to our office in those years.

There are so many memories of Sean I will treasure, but something that few know is how much he supported me during a time when I was feeling very low back in 2015. An incident occurred that left many of us who were from non-Western parts of the world feeling disrespected and without voice. Sean was there to listen, let me pick his (prodigious) brain to discuss strategies and a way forward, and let me vent (or cry) when I needed to. I can honestly say that few people I know 'got it' as perfectly as Sean did. 

I miss you so much, Sean, but I know that your indomitable spirit lives on. Sending love and strength to Uyen, Liam, Matty, and the rest of Sean's family.

Sean was my history teacher through my ninth and tenth grade at UWC. To me, he was not only a teacher but a mentor. He spent time not only teaching us the course material in an engaging way, but also instilled a love of learning in all of his students. Students loved him all around, from his engaging sessions in class to his fantastic band with fellow teachers! He was always accessible for students who needed him. My love of his history class was the reason I pursued history in college, and I will forever be grateful for his advice through my life.

I visited Sean a couple of times when I visited UWC post-graduation, and always had such fantastic chats with him. He was always so full of light and genuinely cared for the well-being of everybody around him. I am so heartbroken that the world has lost such a kind and bright soul. You will forever be missed, Sean.

During Sean's time at MCDS I had a chance to converse with him a couple times. We talked about having lunch some time to talk about our time in Japan since both of us lived in Saga in the past. Your family has been in my thoughts over the last year, and will continue to be. I learned more about Sean from reading his obituary and see what a wonderful person he was and how much he means to so many. こころから　おくやみ　もうしあげます。 

When I hear “Sorry for your loss”, I think of not only what we lost with Sean, who was an amazing human, but also what so many of us gained by knowing someone with such genuine kindness and compassion.


The novel The Painted Bird deeply impacted Sean at a very young age and he was committed to remaining grateful and positive for his blessed life. It seems rightly so for someone with the Irish name that means “God is gracious.” He sought to see the goodness in all people and took time from his busyness to make authentic connections with people-from engaging in political debates, discussing K-pop music culture, and getting to know the school cleaners. I remember a Hungarian cleaner that originally cussed him out but then became one his closest friends. Of course. I would expect nothing less from my husband.

He was a fabulous educator, loving father, and thoughtful husband. He always sought for our children and his students to be their best selves, and Sean possessed the skill and knowledge to enable them to succeed in their goals. He had a knack for breaking down difficult subjects or concepts easily for students to understand and implementing them creatively. Sean had a voracity of knowledge and always collected more wherever he went. He impressed us with his love for learning languages and enjoyed singing in them.

We grew up together from being at Hendrix to our first international move to Taiwan. We had an ongoing joke about my name. Of course it’s pronounced “u win win” so that meant he could never “win” an argument once he said my name. He enjoyed commiserating about that with his friends. (I honestly don’t know what he’s talking about, because he would usually “win” the argument.)

He was a fierce competitor and loved winning whether it be a debate, chess match, tennis game or even fantasy football league.

The love of my life wished to live peacefully in Wisconsin. Somehow he had known it was time to return to come home and be closer to family. He was fully content with simple pleasures such as watching the kids hit rotten apples from the apple tree and enjoying the last days of summer.

We are so grateful for our time together as a family, and he will forever be in our hearts.

Go softly, my husband.
Love always,
Your Adoring wife

I had only crossed path with Sean McAuley once, in a counselors' meeting in Singapore, of which he was the facilitator and his last session before he flew back to Madison. Sean came across as someone extremely likeable, enthusiastic and he made the session less formal with his witty comments. In that session, he talked about GUCC and one could feel his sadness about having to close it during the pandemic.

The stories I have heard about him, from my in-charge who was an extremely close friend of his, and from reading all these tributes and stories, I consider it unfortunate that I did not have more opportunities to get to know such a person like Sean. I can only imagine how he would have enveloped new school counsellors like us with a sense of community, to feel like we belonged, and perhaps even shared a drink or two, while we take in more of his humor.

To Sean, you have no idea of the impact you've made in this community. Thank you for crossing paths.

Working with Sean was an honor. His passion for education and supporting everyone around him was an inspiration. He lead by example and we all learned from him. He modeled how to be a passionate educator, a wonderful father, a committed husband and an exceptional man. We are all better having known Sean.

Sean was so full of energy, kindness, and intellectual curiosity! I first met him when he worked for the Bali International School and I worked in a school in Indonesia. Sean had organised an IB conference and was making connections with everyone, so bubbly and full of beans, and enthusiasm. I also had the privilege of knowing him when he worked at UWCSEA Dover and I at East. we left UWCSEA at the same time, only to be reunited when I moved back to Singapore.

Sean added so much to the office at UWCSEA Dover and helped me personally. To the community at UWCSEA he was part of the Common Room and stood up for people. He organised quizzes, he played in bands, he attended all assemblies. He inspired students.

Later, Sean initiated a conference in Singapore (with Tannaz from SJII) that will continue to be his legacy. He made connections, he helped people, he positively impacted us.

I have memories of Sean from his cheeky laugh, his witty comments, and his depth of care. I am so grateful to have known him.

The world has lost a wonderful human being. Love and hugs to Uyen, Liam, and Matti and everyone in Sean's family.

Sean was the most incredible colleague and friend a person could ever ask for, and never knew they needed. Sean was never too busy, never out of ideas or resources, never unwilling to offer a hand or provide a revamped song full of silly, perfect lyrics. In the days since I heard he has passed, the thing that comes to my mind over and over, is the way he greeted me when we were office-mates each morning. "Hey, Malissa!" - full of life and hope, as though he was greeting me for the first time; I think it reflects his pure goodness. Likewise, his wry, deviant, stubborn, sarcastic, cynical side was always present, waiting for a chance to insert a one-liner, cheer me up, or show solidarity. Sean let me be myself always, and I knew without a doubt that he wanted the best for me personally and professionally. He was generous, full of love for his family and friends, never forgot his students and colleagues, and gave so much to this world. I will never believe he is gone, but will treasure every laugh we shared and caring gesture he showed me.
I miss you, Sean - sending my love to Uyen, Matt, and Liam

I knew Sean from Bali International School where he was my IB Diploma Coordinator. He showed me a professional support and mentoring that set me on my way to be what I am now which is the Head of a 2000 student IB Continuum School. But what I value to this day much more than the fantastic influence he had on my career is the friendship we shared and the kindness he showed both to me and to my family.
He was a wonderfully witty but understated guy who could take the ribbing we all love to give any American but could also put you in your place with a beautifully judged riposte if he thought it appropriate. Not the biggest drinker or the best poker player, he was an essential part of a boy's night simply for his good-natured humour and his ability to raise the level of discourse without ever taking himself too seriously.
I remember Sean and Uyen putting us up (myself, Sofia and our two (then) young girls) in Singapore, sharing their Singapore-sized apartment with generosity and love. We all went together with our girls and their boys to Universal Studios and rode the rides together. Sean was just a big kid. But then again, we all were.
I also remember having to spend a week in Singapore when I got a hip replacement. I had the operation on the Monday but by Wednesday, he was picking me up to take me out to a pub quiz. I'm pretty sure we won. We usually did.
I was always taken with how devoted he was as a father and as the most considerate husband I've ever seen. He would joke, when turning down the chance of a boy's night out, that it was the inevitable consequence of marrying a woman called 'you-win' but in reality, it was obvious that he would rather spend time with the love of his life than with a bunch of reprobates. Wise man!
I will always regret gradually losing touch with Sean and the family. It's 5 years since our last email exchange and I hadn't realised Sean was so seriously ill. We have lost not only a huge heart but also a unique intellect. I feel such sorrow and can't imagine how Uyen and the boys must be feeling. There is nothing I could add about their husband and father that they don't already know. He was the best of us in so many ways. All I can add is that Sean will always be remembered with fondness not just in Asia and in the US but also right to the end of the world in Chile too.
If any of Sean's family or friends ever want to share memories and experiences of their dear Sean or need a shoulder or a hand, I owe him so much that I would be happy to help in any way. Sean McAuley Rest in Peace.
Paddy Lyons plyons@craighouse.cl

Egyik angol órán Sean azt a feladatot adta, hogy írjunk verset. Sosem voltam jó ebben, még magyar nyelven sem. Egész jól sikerült a versike, Sean megmutatta a barátainak, akik kedves üzeneteket írtak a vers mellé. Nagyon jól esett.
Pár hete eszembe jutott ez a vers, még a férjemnek is elmeséltem a történetet. Majd teljesen véletlenül rá pár napra a kezembe akadt a majdnem 30 éve egy füzetlapra firkantott versike. 
Sean, úgy gondolom, Te az az ember voltál, aki mindig nyitott és kedves volt mindenkivel.
Az égiek szerencsések, hogy Veled lehetnek