Eric Michael McCarthy, 40, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Eric Michael McCarthy
Born: October 2nd 1979
Passed: July 18th 2020, at the age of 40

Eric was born October 2nd, 1979 in Gillette, WY to Karen and Mike. Shortly after the family moved to Sherwood, ND. In 1982, Eric became a big brother when Tyler arrived. Two years later the family moved back to Wyoming. During this time, Eric was active in Boy Scouts as well as just being a joyful adventurous little boy and terrorizing his little brother (I can say that because his little brother is writing this!haha). In 1990 the family moved to Powers Lake, ND calling that home. Eric’s time in Powers Lake was spent always being active. He was not one to sit home for any period of time. He was either riding bikes, four wheeler or fixing on something. Eric and his life long friend Chad Lindberg were always up to something, I believe they had some exciting nights in an old Monte Carlo if I recall. It was during his early Highschool years that Eric really began to show how much of a free spirit he was.

After Eric’s junior year of High School, he moved to New Mexico to stay with his dad, it is there that he completed High School, but he quickly moved back to North Dakota and signed up for college. This is where he found his true passion and calling, becoming a Power Lineman at Bismarck State College. With this new trade under his belt, he began traveling the entire United States working, and with working he was able to go on many adventures around the world. Eric was the definition of “Work to Live”. Eric was very smart and skilled, if he put his mind to it, he could do anything. Eric absolutely loved the mountains and Snowboarding. He was able to snowboard across the country, Alaska, Canada, and South America.

With Eric being such a free spirit with a live today attitude, he also faced many ups and downs. But I can honestly say, with those downs, he was always so resilient and positive for what the next page will hold. He was just starting his next adventure in Phoenix, AZ when he was taken from us entirely too early. Eric faced many struggles but living life to the fullest was not one of them. He was dearly loved and will be missed by many.

Eric is survived by his mother, Karen Maruskie (DJ); father, Mike McCarthy; Grandmothers, Helen Ellis, Opal Maruskie (Step); brother, Tyler (Jessica) McCarthy; nieces, Maddison, Haddlee, Claire; nephews, Abram, Hayes; half-brother, Josh Rudolf; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by Grandpa Fritz Ellis, Grandma and Grandpa McCarthy, Grandpa Williams, Step-Grandpa Honky Maruskie; aunts, Julie Ellis, Barb McCarthy and uncle, Dennis Ruppert.