Michael Edward Needham, 66, of Windsor, was called to lay down his implements on earth, and enter that Paradise, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, to receive that welcome plaudit, Well done, good and faithful servant unexpectedly Nov. 10 at Maine General Hospital in Augusta.
Michael was born Jan. 25, 1941, to Stanley and Madeline Sweeney Needham in Old Town, being the youngest of their five children. He was raised and educated in Old Town, graduating from Old Town High School. His childhood, young and adult life was spent loving his family, the family outings and the time he spent at their family camp on Cold Stream Pond.
After the death of his mother, Michael moved to Windsor to live with his sister, Jane. Michael then started his Grange journey by joining Jefferson Grange #197 and Nobleboro Grange #369, holding offices in each of those. His journey then took him to his present granges, Willow Grange #366 and Arlington Grange #528. He currently was serving as Master of Arlington Grange #528, Chaplain of Willow Grange #366 and Gatekeeper of Lincoln County Pomona #19. He received his 6th Degree Oct. 25, 1997 and his 7th Degree in November of 1999. He served with pride in the offices and appointments to State Grange Committees, the first being a member of the State Grange Youth Committee and most recently a member of the State Grange Membership Committee. Michael s Grange journey was a part of his life that took him on Grange tours from Quebec to Ohio. He enjoyed being a counselor for Youth Leadership Camp and the many grange outings and meetings where he loved to be with the friends he considered part of his family. Michael also was a volunteer with the Chaplaincy Services at the VA Hospital in Togus. This gave him a great sense of pride that he now could serve the veterans who had served so that he could enjoy his freedom.
He enjoyed reading and, most of all, gardening. He loved his wire-haired fox terrier, Molly, whom he recently replaced with a new puppy he also named Molly. He loved to listen to classical and sacred music, and he loved to watch the Red Sox and the New England Patriots and could be heard cheering them on.
He was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Madeline Sweeney Needham; sister, D. Jane Needham; and brothers, Martin Needham and Richard Needham.
He is survived by his brother, Robert Needham and wife Gloria of Cherryhill, N.J.; life partner, Sharon Manley of Windsor; and beloved uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Arlington Grange Hall, Rt. 126, Whitefield at a time to be announced.
Although Michael did not have cancer, his highest concern was the hope that a cure would be found as he remembered his sister s battle with cancer. Donations may be made in his memory to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, Maine General Hospital, 361 Old Belgrade Rd., Augusta, ME 04330.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Kincer Funeral Home, Richmond.
