BELFAST — Michael W. Merry, 64, passed unexpectedly Sept. 28, 2012, 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 associate's 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 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 National Horseshoe Pitchers Association and won multiple tournaments. 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 is survived by three daughters, Michelle and her husband, Michael Seaman, of Newcastle, Kathy and her husband, Bill Jason, of Winslow and Jennifer Lee and her husband, Ron Betters, of Old Town; four sons, Brent Lee of Glenburn, Kevin Merry and his girlfriend, Stacia Langille, of Newmarket, N.H., Jared Merry and his significant other, Brooke Michaud, of Bangor, and Justin Merry and his wife, Tiffany, of Newmarket, N.H.; his grandchildren, Brooke Lee, Billy Seaman, Brianna Lee, Jessica Dupray, Alexander Jason, Gabriel Seaman, Lindsey Jason, Gloria Seaman, Matthew Seaman and Madelyn Merry; his sister, Glenda and her husband, Fred Whitney, and their children, Andrea Martin of Texas, Lori Martin of Bangor, Carl Martin and his wife, April, of Bucksport, Doug Martin and his wife, Amy, of Indiana, and Craig Martin of Bangor. Mike cared for them a great deal, was always there for them, and they thought of him as a hero. He also had grandnieces and grandnephews, aunts and cousins, Alda Merry and her children, Frances Borden of California and Paul Borden and his wife, Joanne, of California, Elga Merry and her children, Joellen Merry of Houlton, Kerry Merry and his wife, Lisa, of Sherman, Ava MacArthur and her husband, Barry, of Island Falls, Eric Merry and his wife, Barbara, of Stacyville, Robbie Merry and his wife, Tammy, of Stacyville, and Esther Wells of Connecticut; and he thought of Sarah Copage like a daughter. He is also survived by the mothers of his children; his first wife, Sally Gilbert of 7-1/2 years and second wife, Rebecca Merry of 23 years. He is survived by his current companion, Debbie Reynolds of Belfast.

He was predeceased by his parents, Marshall and Rita Merry; a very special grandfather, Harold Merry; an uncle, Gerald Merry; and a cousin, Claudia Borden. Mike will be forever loved and missed dearly by his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. at The Washburn Memorial Church, 3 Church St., Sherman Mills, Maine. A graveside service will follow at Sherman Mills Cemetery with a reception at The Washburn Memorial Church.