Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

WASHINGTON - Michael James Connors Carlson, 60, died Monday, March 24, 2014, in his home surrounded by family after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Bangor, December 12, 1953, Michael lived most of his younger years in New York with his parents Shirlee (Connors) Carlson and M. Karl Carlson. He moved to Camden, Maine in the eighth grade which is where he met many of his life-long friends he called brothers.

Michael has five siblings; Dayle, Dawne, Mitch, Ted, and Erin, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Michael and his wife Diane Marie Carlson have five children: Angelina, Stephanie, Meahgan, Virginia, and Ian; and ten grandchildren. He was especially close to his granddaughters Elizabeth, Evelyn, and Elise.

Being Grampy was his favorite role in life and they shared their time by building bird houses, going for walks, fishing, playing cards, and watching and cheering to WWE.

He shared a unique bond and relationship with each person he connected with. Michael's bond with people was from the heart and that is how he defined family.

Michael learned his trade of mechanical engineering beginning with the time he spent in the Navy. He grew into the inventor and trouble shooter he was so well known for in the food packaging industry.

Michael's love for nature developed into years of fishing, trapping, hunting, and camping whether alone to have time to himself or with his family.

Michael's love for antiques and history led him to a life long hobby and talent for restoring houses and furniture.

His humor, strength, creativity, and loving heart will be missed and treasured.

We all look forward to seeing him again as we stand firm in the Faith of the Promise.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 in the morning, Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A celebration of Michael's life will continue at the Carlson home in Washington. Interment at a later date will be at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148-0552.

To share a memory or story with Michael's family, please visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

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