Paul R. Forsythe

Paul Richard Forsythe, of Mikado, Michigan, was born on August 13, 1945, in Harrisville, Michigan, and passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 81, at home and surrounded by his family.

Paul proudly served in the Michigan Army National Guard from January 9, 1966, through October 9, 1983, attaining the rank of Platoon Sergeant (E-7). He served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry, in Alpena, Michigan. His military service reflected his commitment to duty, leadership, and community. During his service, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar.

Confirmed into the Catholic Church in 1986, Paul was a devoted member of his faith community. He was also a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, serving for 25 years in an organization dedicated to faith, charity, and service to others. During his years with the Knights of Columbus, Paul held many officer positions, including Grand Knight, and served as Financial Secretary for 12 years. Through these roles, he demonstrated his steadfast dedication to the organization and its mission of service.

Paul was a hardworking man throughout his life. He spent many years working for Pontiac Motors as an auto body painter on the assembly line. He also spent many years working in the woods cutting pulpwood, demanding work that suited his strong work ethic and his lifelong connection to the outdoors.

A skilled carpenter and painter, Paul took great pride in his work and in the craftsmanship he brought to every project. He was rarely one to sit still and always seemed to be building, repairing, improving, or fixing something. Whether working on a project for himself, helping family, or lending a hand to someone who needed it, Paul’s hands were almost always busy. His talent, resourcefulness, and strong work ethic were simply part of who he was.

Paul also gave his time to his community in many ways. He worked as a substitute bus driver for Alcona Schools, coached peewee baseball, and served as a Cub Scout leader, sharing his time, knowledge, and encouragement with local youth. Music was another part of Paul’s life, and during his high school years, he participated in marching band as a drummer for six years.

Paul was also a member of the cemetery committee that helped restore order and organization to the Mikado Cemetery. Through this work, he helped preserve and care for an important part of his community’s history, reflecting his respect for those who came before him and his dedication to the place he called home.

Paul had a lifelong love of the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Over the years, that love took him on many memorable adventures. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, Texas, and Virginia, as well as hunting trips throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Canada, and Texas. Whether traveling far from home or spending time outdoors closer to home, Paul treasured the experience, the companionship, and the memories made along the way. Hunting and fishing were more than hobbies to Paul; they were an important part of his life and the source of countless stories and cherished memories shared with family and friends.

Paul shared 59 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Brenda, whom he married on November 26, 1966. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Howard L. Forsythe; his mother, Bertha H. Forsythe (Procunier); his brother, Wilbur Forsythe; his sister, Donna Senter and her husband, Richard; his sister, Evelyn Tosh; and his brothers-in-law, Leroy Loyer and John Loyer, and John’s wife, Helen.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda, and his children: son Gary and his wife, Tammy; daughter Sherry Dixon and her husband, James “Butch”; son Howard L. “Larry” and his wife, Marie; and daughter Terrie Kehring and her husband, Tom. Paul was a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his brother, Roddy Forsythe and his wife, Sheron; Wilbur’s wife, Marge; Evelyn’s husband, John “Doug” Tosh; and Leroy’s wife, Eunice “Red.”

Paul’s life was marked by service, faith, hard work, a love of the outdoors, and, above all, devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched, the stories and traditions he leaves behind, and the love he shared with those around him.

Paul is at Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln, where visitation will be Friday, September 18, 2026 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Rosary service at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue Saturday, September 19, 2026 at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Mikado from 10:00 AM until the funeral mass at 11:00 AM. Rev. Lawrence Boks will officiate.