Michael W. Merry, 64, of Stacyville-Millinocket, passed unexpectedly Sept. 28 while working in the woods. He was born July 5, 1948, in Lincoln, the son of Marshall W. and Rita (Nelson) Merry.
Mike grew up on a dairy farm in Stacyville and worked alongside his father, his Uncle Gerald Merry, and several cousins that were special to him. Mike graduated from Sherman High in 1966 and received an Associates Degree in Agriculture/Dairy in 1968 from the University of Maine-Orono.
Mike worked on the B & A railroad for about 11 years, was a logging contractor with Great Northern Paper Company for 10 years, and currently contracted with Prentiss and Carlisle. He was a certified professional logger (CLP) for most of his life.
Mike was a “cultured lumberjack.” He was a drummer in the high school band and later played in two bands: TJ-N-the Ramblers and Northeast Cowboys. He loved the outdoors, was an avid outdoorsman and was a Registered Maine Guide for several years. You could always find Mike at a horseshoe tournament or backyard pit “shootin’ the breeze.” He was a member of the NHPA (National Horseshoe Pitchers Association) and won multiple tourneys. He joked with his boys the only person he enjoyed losing to was Harold Robinson.
Mike coached several years of hockey with his boys as well as played in the men’s league, and enjoyed watching the Bruins and Maine Black Bears.
He loved music and dance as well as taught several different styles; east coast, west coast, waltz, hustle, ballroom and many others. He performed in the Swing-N-Sway presentation this past spring in Camden.
Mike enjoyed telling a good story and playing practical jokes. He had the gift of gab, made friends easily, and had an unforgettable laugh and smile! Mike had a big heart, a gregarious spirit, and would lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Bumpa, as he was affectionately called, loved spending time with his grandchildren. Most importantly Mike loved being with his family as well as his close friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Marshall and Rita Merry; very special grandfather, Harold Merry; uncle, Gerald Merry; and cousin, Claudia Borden.
He is survived by daughters, Michelle and husband Michael Seaman of Newcastle, Kathy and husband Bill Jason of Winslow, and Jennifer Lee and husband Ron Betters of Old Town; and sons, Brent Lee of Glenburn, Kevin Merry and girlfriend Stacia Langille of Newmarket, N.H.; Jared Merry and significant other Brooke Michaud of Bangor, and Justin Merry and wife Tiffany of Newmarket, N.H.; grandchildren, Brooke Lee, Billy Seaman, Brianna Lee, Jessica Dupray, Alexander Jason, Gabriel Seaman, Lindsey Jason, Gloria Seaman, Matthew Seaman, and Madelyn Merry; sister, Glenda and husband Fred Whitney, and their children, Andrea Martin of Texas, Lori Martin of Bangor, Carl Martin and wife April of Bucksport, Doug Martin and wife Amy of Indiana, and Craig Martin of Bangor; grandnieces and nephews, aunts and cousins; Alda Merry and children, Frances Borden of California, and Paul Borden and wife Joanne of California, Elga Merry and children Joellen Merry of Houlton, Kerry Merry and wife Lisa of Sherman, Ava MacArthur and husband Barry of Island Falls, Eric Merry and wife Barbara of Stacyville, Robbie Merry and wife Tammy of Stacyville, Esther Wells of Connecticut, and he thought of Sarah Copage like a daughter; first wife, Sally Gilbert of 7-1/2 years; second wife, Rebecca Merry of 23 years; and current companion, Debbie Reynolds of Belfast.
Funeral services 11 a.m., Fri., Oct. 5 at The Washburn Memorial Church, 3 Church St., Sherman Mills. A graveside service will follow at Sherman Mills Cemetery with a reception at The Washburn Memorial Church.
