Michael Anthony McCarty, 23, died of a heart attack at his home in Oak Harbor on Oct. 9, 2009. He was born at Travis Air Force Base, Okla., to Clyde A. and Pamela M. McCarty on May 20, 1986.

Michael lived on Whidbey Island since he was eight months old. He attended Coupeville schools and loved football. He was proud to be a starter on the varsity team in his freshman year.

Michael had a passion for cooking and worked as a chef for the Mad Crab in Coupeville and for Flyers Restaurant in Oak Harbor. Because of his size, Michael was hired as a bouncer for the Bayside Casino in Oak Harbor, but soon began work as a cook. Michael was a very large person, but was a “walking teddy bear” on the inside. He was a wonderful husband and father. He loved family and would do anything for his friends. Michael was proud of his Irish ancestry and chose to marry Sabrina R. Wilmes on March 17, 2009, St. Patrick’s Day.

Michael is survived by his wife Sabrina and children Ciera and Trenton; his parents, Clyde and Pam McCarty of Coupeville; two brothers, Shane and Robert McCarty, both of Georgia; and his grandmother, Jeanne Brewer of Oak Harbor. Michael has a large, loving family with whom he was very close.

Memorial services for Michael McCarty were held Oct. 15 at the Coupeville Masonic Lodge with Pastor Rick Karjalainen officiating. Donations may be made to the Michael McCarty Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo branch. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.