Forest McCarthy, 73, of Oscoda passed away at his home on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 after a long, courageous battle with cancer.He was born on June 19, 1939 to Earl and Helen (Parsons) McCarthy in Cheboygan and raised in the city of Mackinaw. From his stories of growing up in this historical city, of living near the straits, watching the freighters from the terrace of his childhood home, walking to the downtown shops where his mother and grandmother worked, the construction of the Mackinac Bridge, and racing his infamous 57' Chevy down the city streets; Mackinaw became known as "his city" in the eyes of his son and daughter. In his school years, he played both basketball and football for the Mackinaw City Comets, and as far as his kids and grandkids knew, he was the hero and the star player for both teams. He was also involved in track, drama club and the school band, having to quickly change from his football uniform into his band uniform for half-time performances.It was in Mackinaw where he met and fell in love with his wife of 51 years, Ginny (Johnson) McCarthy. They were married on Sept. 9, 1961 at the United Methodist Church. Together, they moved to Marquette and attended Northern Michigan University. Forest earned his teaching degree in elementary education graduating with honors in 1966. He moved his family to Oscoda to begin his teaching career at Richardson Junior High. His dedication toward teaching made going to work easy every day. Providing a foundation in the classroom for his student's success in life, also found its way to the hard court. A passion for sports, especially boys and girls basketball, allowed for many successful years of coaching. Seems no matter where he would go, a former student or athlete would come forward and say a heart-filled "thank you" to their favorite teacher and coach.After 30 years at Richardson Junior High School, he retired from teaching. This next phase of his life is filled with memories of friends, family, children, grandchildren and many adventures with his favorite travel companion, Ginny. Together, they shared many sunsets from his favorite spot in Indian Shores, Fla. to the beaches of Hawaii. Their 51 years of marriage was filled with love, laughter, compromise, faith, respect, devotion and more love.He was very proud and supportive of his community; devoting his attention to the Meals on Wheels, Downtown Beautification Committee, FISH, and the Oscoda United Methodist Church.He is survived by his wife, Ginny McCarthy; son, Steve (Patty) McCarthy; daughter, Susan (Mark) McAuliffe; grandchildren, Allie McCarthy, Cameron McAuliffe, Shaylee McAuliffe, Calvin McCarthy and Tommy McCarthy; siblings; Gary (Connie) McCarthy, Judy (Ken) Fenely and David McCarthy. He is also survived by many other loving family members and dear friends. A memorial service will be held at the Oscoda United Methodist Church on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Forest McCarthy Memorial Fund c/o Oscoda Education Opportunities Foundation, 3550 River Rd., Oscoda, MI 48750.Forest McCarthy has touched many lives during his time on earth. May his memory be cherished by all those who knew him and may his giving nature and optimism be present in us all. Cremation arrangements are by Buresh Funeral Home in Oscoda, Michigan. An on-line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.