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

Born Dec. 12, 1953, in Bangor, Michael lived most of his younger years in New York with his parents, Shirlee (Connors) Carlson and M. Karl Carlson. He moved to Camden in the eighth-grade, which is where he met many of his life-long friends that 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 10 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 World Wrestling Entertainment.

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 Wednesday, April 2, at 11 a.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in 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 in Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841 or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148-0552.