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.