Homer Alaska - Obituaries

Collin S. MacCarty, Jr., 68, was born Nov. 11, 1942, and died July 4, 2011, from complications of cardiac arrest, suffered while driving his racecar in competition June 25 in Soldotna.

He was born in Rochester, Minn., obtained his bachelor of arts, bachelor of science and master of science degrees at Black Hills State College, Spearfish, S.D., and accepted a teaching position in Homer, where he lived most of his adult life.

In addition to teaching, he spent 15 years fishing the North Pacific and the Bering Sea as a deck hand on the Time Bandit and other vessels. In recent years, he occupied his time substitute teaching and serving as a harbor guide and gallery host at the Pratt Museum in Homer. In his spare time, he pursued his life-long interest in motor vehicles and auto racing, becoming a fixture in local competitions.

"'Cowboy' was a man of generous spirit, big heart, quick smile and hearty laugh. He made friends easily and well, and will be greatly missed by his many friends and loving family," his family said.

His parents, Collin S. MacCarty Sr. and Margery D. MacCarty, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his son, Bryan MacCarty and former wife, Kerry Boughton of Vancouver, Wash.; his stepson, J. D. Nolan of Pasco, Wash.; stepdaughter, Austin Ruiz of Beaverton, Ore.; brother, Robert L. MacCarty (Gretchen) of Rochester, Minn.; sister, Helen MacCarty of Sacramento, Calif.; and six nieces and nephews.

Memorial services are pending. Memorials are suggested to the Pratt Museum, 3779 Bartlett St., Homer, AK 99603; Providence Alaska Medical Center, 3200 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508; or to a charity of the donor's choosing.