Paul McCarthy

If it is true that life isn’t measured by the miles you have travelled, but by the smiles you have given, then Paul Charles McCarthy lived a very full life. A sincere interest in every stranger (who would soon become a friend), a warm hug at every meeting, a story ever ready to engage his listener, and a wave and a “toodle-oo” at the end of each visit – these were the makings of a much-loved father, son, brother, uncle and friend.

This first-born child of William and Grace McCarthy, began his life in Cottonwood, on Oct. 12, 1946. Following his birth came a succession of eight sisters (which no doubt influenced his independent spirit) and later, two brothers and two more sisters. This solidified his place as the big brother of Bill and Grace McCarthy’s baker’s dozen and was the beginning of a very special relationship he had with his mother.

Antics as a child attending St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and later Prairie High School in Cottonwood, were the topic of many stories Paul shared with his family and friends. Growing up in small town America, as he related, was anything but boring. In the age of James Dean, Elvis Presley, leather jackets and slicked-back hair, you can be assured that Paul loved a trend.

In 1964, upon graduating from Prairie High School, that full life of travelling and giving smiles began in earnest. Paul worked at a variety of jobs while in high school and after graduation, but his true passion was fulfilled in his career as a long-haul truck driver. Family and friends were regaled with many stories about his life on the road and the pleasure it gave him. His amazing memory for directions and landmarks, coupled with his sincere interest in meeting and engaging with people, made this occupation tailor made for Paul. Young boys standing by the side of a highway gesturing for a truck driver to blow his horn would have undoubtedly found a friend in an obliging Paul.

Paul’s world grew much brighter when he welcomed his first son, Joseph “Jack” in 1967, followed by William “Bill” in 1969 and Dean in 1971. His love for his sons and his pride in their accomplishments gave him great joy. Their visits to their grandparents’ home in the summer and for holidays spent swimming, hiking, picnicking and sledding brought even more smiles to the world of their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and to all who are blessed to have them as a part of their lives.

Paul’s genuine interest in people and his attention to those he loved will forever be remembered. Nieces and nephews’ shrieks and squeals from “horse bites” (although they always came back for more), the shared disdain by all for the most unfriendly, ferocious poodle who was only loved by one and shall remain nameless, and Paul’s general fun-loving nature were all hallmarks of the full life he lived.

Paul spent the final 15 months of his life in the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Eugene McCarthy. Their warm hospitality, for which he was sincerely grateful, permitted him to remain at home in his final illness and for all to come and bid farewell during his last long haul. So many came to say goodbye to Paul and so many left him knowing that he loved them. His soul left this world on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after a short, courageous battle with cancer.

Paul leaves behind his sons, Jack (Kathy) McCarthy of Glendale, Ariz., and Bill McCarthy of Tacoma, and their mother, Arlene (Mike) Evett of Kooskia, son Dean (Michelle) McCarthy of Elgin, Ill., and stepson Jimmy (Vickie) Ralstin of Sweetwater. Grandchildren include Justin McCarthy, Tiffany McCarthy, Krystyana Hammond, Ryan McCarthy, Brian McCarthy, Ben McCarthy, Randi Field, Crystal Morgan, Tina Herndon, Christina Ralstin and Jen Ralstin. Great-grandchildren include Lilly Bassett, Jace Hammond, Owen Hammond, Carter McCarthy, Keegan McCarthy, Deluca Tornero, Audra Blu Tornero, Remmi Rose Tornero, Gabriel Field, Asher Field, Noah Field, Hailee Ralstin, Alexis Ralstin, Mackenzie Ralstin, Kayden Morgan, Meliyah Morgan and Madasyn Bouchard.

Also surviving Paul are his brother, Mike McCarthy, sisters Margaret (Stan) Graves, Barbara (Bob) Van Tassel, Pat (Steve) Weeks, Darlene Breckenridge, Lois (Steve) Lamont, Gail (Pat) Orr, June Davies, Ann (Mark) McCain, Mary (Eugene) McCarthy and Jeri (Alex) Hattrup as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Those preceding Paul in death were his parents, William and Grace McCarthy, Dean’s mother Judy Dahl, wife Pauline McCarthy, wife Alvine McCarthy, brother Dennis McCarthy and stepson Gary Ralstin.

A memorial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at SonRise Church, 2620 22nd St., Clarkston. A luncheon will follow. A private burial will take place at the Keuterville Cemetery.

For Paul, who travelled so many miles and brought countless smiles to our faces, with love we send you a warm hug and this final “toodle-oo” — May the angels lead you into Paradise. May the martyrs receive you at your coming and take you to the Holy City, the new and eternal Jerusalem. May the choirs of the angels receive you and may you have rest everlasting.