Michael Patrick Forbes Obituary
Michael Patrick Forbes, 1967-2022
Michael P. Forbes, 55, of Mashpee, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in Boston on March 16, surrounded by love and friendship, 44 months after being diagnosed with late-stage cancer. In his fifty-five years, Michael was a military veteran, a correctional officer, an EMT, and a pharmacist. He loved serving others and often said, “All I need is purpose and love.” He found great purpose in his job as a pharmacist but an even greater love with his dear Alicat, whom he met in high school and was married to for thirty years.
Michael’s indomitable spirit was a through-line of his entire life. Despite spending most of his childhood in foster care, Michael found and shared so much positivity and love with those around him. He was a truly extraordinary soul.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Bamberg, Germany as part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He earned several citations and awards, including four Army Achievement Medals.
In 2012, he became the Pharmacy Director of the Community Health Center of Cape Cod, a not-for-profit health clinic, where he helped to launch, develop, and grow the pharmacy into, in the words of CEO Karen Gardner, “one of the most (if not the most) friendly and respected pharmacies around.”
Michael loved flannel Fridays and was so proud of his team.
Outside of work, Michael was intellectually curious and an avid reader, especially on topics of science, space, and spirituality. He also had a fun and playful side. He loved spending time with Alice, walking their rescue Huskies on the beach and boating with family and friends.
During Michael’s illness, he maintained his usual good cheer. As his nurse practitioner said, “Even on his worst days, Michael could look at the person sitting across from him and be kind.” In the face of cancer, he became an avid meditator and an exemplary model of strength and resiliency—factors that no doubt contributed to him outlasting his initial prognosis by three years.
Alice is forever grateful to the entire CHC family for their incredible support at every turn during Michael’s illness; Dr. Mark Awad, Cathleen Power, and the teams at Dana Farber, Sloan, and MGH for giving Alice and Michael more time to love each other; and Team Mike Forbes for giving him every hope and opportunity to stay with us as long as he could. Special thanks to Michael’s faithful chocolate angels, Ann and Bob.
Michael is survived by Alice and Lulu, as well a large circle of extended family, including the Fahey, Forbes, and Mello families, his beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and countless friends, who are all better people for having felt the heart of Michael Forbes. In his honor, may we all find purpose and love in our lives.
The service will be held on March 29 beginning promptly at 11:00am at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Boulevard, Bourne, MA. Immediately following the services, all are welcome at Siena in Mashpee Commons to share fond memories and raise a toast to Michael.
While flowers are welcome, if you prefer, donations may be made to Dr. Awad‘s Lung Cancer Research Fund. Gifts can be made online at dana-farber.org/give via mail to PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or phone at 617-632-3019.
