Dr. Harry Edward McCarthy died peacefully at his home in Forsyth Saturday afternoon, November 21, 2020, of chronic heart failure. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a patriot, and an avid outdoorsman. He continued to ski and team rope well into his seventies, enjoyed hunting, fly fishing, ranching, and raising and riding good horses, and went for long daily walks with his dog.
Harry was born in Montrose, Colorado, June 5, 1936. His family moved throughout the southwest, and he graduated from North High School in Denver in 1954. He married his beloved Ethel Rose Billlingsley in 1958, and theirs was an eternal love story. In 1960, Harry graduated from the Colorado School of Mines and took an engineering job with DuPont Corporation in Delaware, where he attended the University of Delaware, earning Master’s and PhD degrees in chemical and petroleum engineering. In 1969, he accepted a leadership position in research with Occidental Petroleum and moved his family to California, then went home to Colorado to do engineering consulting in 1977, and later retired to ranch full-time in the Piceance Creek/White River area of northwest Colorado.
Harry worked In the Vernal, Utah, temple until Ethel’s death in 2004. In 2010, he moved to Montana to be closer to family, living in Malta and Kinsey before settling in Forsyth. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Emma Aiken McCarthy, his brother Roland, and sisters Mary Paylor and Patty McCarthy, his eternal companion, Ethel, and great grandson Kian Gustad.
Harry is survived by his four children: Harry “Hank” McCarthy (Julie) of Westminster, Colorado, grandons Blake (Chloe) and Shane McCarthy, and great-grandsons Aiden and Cullen McCarthy; daughter Cathleen McCarthy Gustad of Kinsey, grandchildren Keith (Krisi) Gustad, Kristin (Zack) Buck, Katrina (Alex) Kuthe, Derek (Amanda) Gustad, Ethan, Bridget and Kolleen Gustad, with great-grandchildren Kayman and Kinna Gustad, Emalyn and Juliann Buck, Connor Kuthe, and Kale, Kobe, and Kadi Gustad; daughter Christine McCarthy Christensen (Bryce) of Forsyth, grandson Daniel McCarthy, and son David McCarthy of Portland, Oregon.
Steve Fourtner says
I’m sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing him and Beauty walking up here at the cemetery. Harry always had a smile and something positive to say. He will be missed.
Garth Sleight says
Harry, my dear friend, you are once again “fantabulous!” Thank you for your faithful monthly visits to our home when you were in Miles City, and for your friendship. You were as reliable as a Swiss watch. My condolences to Harry’s family as they bid you adieu, for now.
Peggy and Earl says
To Harry’s family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your beloved Father, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa. Harry was my neighbor for 3 years. He was an asset to our close-knit neighborhood. He logged many miles in this area with his canine companion “Beauty.” They were a great team and made a lot of friends on their daily treks.
May you find comfort in the thoughts and prayers of others who are sharing this sorrow with you.
Brad Schmitz says
Cathleen/Christine, Grandkids: Sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. What a good fellow! Harry always made sure you were welcomed and took the time to focus on just you as he spoke with you every week at church. His infectious “Fantabulous” was a trademark that I loved hearing. Hope you revel in the good memories.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you cherish wonderful memories of a legacy of a man! So thoughtful and intelligent.
Take care!
Denise and Jay Harvey
Raylynn Sleight says
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Cathleen and family. May his legacy always live on in your memories.
Juanita McDanold says
To the Family of Harry…As I came to know Harry through our pinochle club at the Haugo Center I found him to be a kind, and quite a gentleman. We will all miss him at cards. He always made yummy brownies to share with all of us. Our deepest condolences to you all. Take care Christine and Brice! Kristin, Zach and Family our thought and prayers for you also.
Dwayne Albertson says
Harry always had a smile and a story. When I met him he told me that if a cowboy asked, he was an engineer; if an engineer asked, he was a cowboy.
My sincere condolences to the family. I will remember
and miss him.