Michael W. McCarthy
McCarthy, Michael W. age 80, died April 15th in Minneapolis. Mike grew up in Excelsior and lived in the area most of his life. He is survived by his wife Kay; daughters Carrie (Kent Chasson), Laura (Curt Gerston), and Sally Ackerman (George Gochitashvili); six grandchildren (Jesse, Lucy, Molly, Sophie, Luca and Otti); and sister Maggie Seely (Contee) of Berkeley CA. Mike spent most of his working career at Williams Steel and Hardware, a company started by his great-grandfather in 1865, eventually serving as CEO. He was in the US Air Force and spent a year in Vietnam. He served as Treasurer and Board Chair of the Dale Warland Singers, the American Composers Forum, and the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches; Treasurer and Board Member of VocalEssence and Chorus America; President of the Encampment Forest Association, and the Amesbury West Homeowners' Association; and a member of the advisory committee of the University of Minnesota's School of Music. He enjoyed travel to many parts of the world. His favorite lifelong retreat was a cabin on the shores of Lake Superior. He played the piano, guitar, and banjo, and enjoyed many years as a bass player in a bluegrass band. Mike and his wife Kay commissioned a number of choral works, including "The World Beloved, a Bluegrass Mass" by Carol Barnett and "The Day is Done" by Stephen Paulus. A memorial service is planned for 3:00 pm on May 21st at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to VocalEssence, Chorus America, or the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
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