Michael O. McCabe
Michael O. McCabe, M.D., a longtime resident of Bakersfield and a native Californian, passed away on March 6, 2007. An accomplished orthopedic surgeon specializing in spinal disorders, Dr. McCabe cared deeply for each of his patients and devoted his life to his medical practice.
Born March 12, 1945, he attended the University of Washington in Seattle, pursuing an undergraduate degree in science. He earned his medical degree from the university in 1975. He completed his internship in general surgery at the University of Utah in 1976 and completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Fitzsimmons Medical Center in Denver in 1981. Dr. McCabe completed his service as an army physician as the Chief of the Orthopedic Surgery Service at the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity in Fort Polk, La., as part of the Fifth Infantry Division. Upon retiring from the Army, Dr. McCabe was awarded the commendation medal for exceptionally meritorious service as an Army physician.
Board Certified in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. McCabe completed his orthopedic spine surgery fellowship and joined Kern Bone & Joint Specialists, Inc. in 1989, specializing in the evaluation and treatment of adult spinal disorders. Prior to his medical practice in Bakersfield, he had an orthopedic practice in Moses Lake. Dr. McCabe was a strong supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). He also significantly supported ongoing research in spinal disorders through the American Spine Society.
His hobbies included classic and contemporary Native American arts, motor sports, classic sports cars and high performance automobile racing. He was a member of the Sports Car Club of America. Dr. McCabe also enjoyed the outdoors, spending time at the beach and fishing.
Dr. McCabe is survived by his son, Christian Michael McCabe, his wife, Jocelyn and their son, Ryan Christian McCabe, of Olympia; son Benjamin Yazzi McCabe of Bellevue, Wash.; and daughter Johanna Rose McCabe of Arroyo Grande; by former wives Mary Ann Davis, Catherine Newey and Jett McCabe, and by extended family members, friends and many people who loved and cared for him very much.
A celebration of Mike McCabe's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, at the chapel of Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road. Remembrances can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the ASPCA.