Cayman Shawn Mooney, 30, of Richmond, died suddenly on Monday, December 1, 2014.

Beloved son of Peggy Mowbray and Shawn Mooney, Cayman was a 2014 honors graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law, and a 2007 high honors graduate of the University of Virginia. He was a talented and creative musician, and a passionate and steadfast champion of those less fortunate, as exemplified through his work with and commitment to the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society and the Restoration of Rights Clinic, in Richmond, serving those who have the least access to legal resources.

Cayman was born and raised in Charlottesville and attended St. Anne's-Belfield School and Albemarle High School. At the University of Virginia, Cayman was a distinguished French scholar, earning his degree with highest honors. He was a member of the UVA Klezmer ensemble. He was also a bus driver with the University Transit Service.

Following his graduation, he taught public school in France. After his return to the US, and during law school, he performed the accordion with the Klezmer band, "My Son The Doctor", and with other musical groups in Richmond. Cayman loved his family, any musical instrument he could get his hands on, his dear friends, his most cherished hound dog, Tsena, and any sort of creative writing, particularly the many songs he composed.

He leaves behind his parents, Peggy and Shawn, his sister Kelsey, and his niece, India Elizabeth. He also leaves behind his beloved aunts and uncles; Sandra Polakowski and Sue Sherrill, of Charlottesville, Martin and Alice Mooney of Stanardsville, Gayle Pardue of Roanoke, Billy Sherrill of Hickory, NC, and Jeff Polakowski of Wexford , PA. Additionally , he leaves behind his beloved cousins; Kari Collier, Whitney Polakowski , Jessica Chamblee, Isabelle Pardue, John Martin Mooney, Allison Mooney, and Joshua Rhodes, as well as their families and children. He leaves behind countless friends to treasure his memory.

Despite the evanescence of Cayman's life, he was always a beacon of comfort and joy to his family and friends. He was a champion for the needy and dispossessed. He will be so missed by all of those who love him.

The family plans to have a private funeral service."Up with me! Up with me into the clouds!For thy song, Lark is strong;Up with me! Up with me into the clouds!Singing, singing,With clouds and sky about thee ringing.

"In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Cayman's memory to The Hazelden Betty Ford Patient Aid Fund, which is an organization that helps save lives at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, P.O.Box 64348, St. Paul, MN 55164. Additionally, memorial donations may be made to The Food Bank at Church of Our Saviour, 1165 Rio Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901.

Condolences may be made in person by signing the guest book at Hill and Wood Funeral Home or online at www.hillandwood.com