Michael William Forton

With great sadness, we announce that Michael William Forton, 75, of Finksburg, MD passed away on December 14, 2025 in Westminster, MD. Born on February 5, 1950 in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Jesse and Audrey (Sands) Forton. He was the beloved husband of Mary Forton for 53 years.
Mike lived a life full of family, friends, and canine companions, and found passion in music, photography, outdoor adventure, service, and never sitting still if he did not have to. A graduate of Mount Saint Joseph High School and Towson State, he completed a long career as a Federal employee, working first in human resources and later in information technology, but his true passion was in his pursuits outside of work.
An avid guitar player, drummer, bass player, and singer, he played in many local bands and musical acts over the years, and pursued photography as a lifelong hobby, moving from black and white darkrooms to digital imaging and editing, and shared his knowledge of music and cameras with many others along the way.
A reluctant traveler, he nevertheless enjoyed seeing and photographing most of the United States and parts of Europe, with Mary planning the trips and Mike driving the car. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, completing 53 consecutive seasons of deer hunting in his life.
He was a friend of Bill W. for 42 years and dedicated much of his free time to helping others with recovery efforts. Mike experienced a number of health challenges over the years, but lived every day with gratitude, one day at a time.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his daughters Carly Richmond and Lisa McCurley; his sons-in-law Benjamin Richmond and Devin McCurley; his beloved grandson Calvin Richmond; his siblings Joseph (Jess) Forton, Agnes McCready, Raymond Forton, and Brian Forton; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family will accept guests for a memorial visitation held Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm at Eline Funeral Home, 2901 Bloom Road, Finksburg, MD 21048. A memorial service will begin Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 12:00 pm at the funeral home.
Memorial donations in Mike's name can be made to Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue or Reese Volunteer Fire Company.