ROCKPORT — Michael “Mike” Hughes, 34, died suddenly on April 9, 2017, after a heart attack. His loving family was at his side.

Born in Rockport on Nov. 11, 1982, he was the son of James Joseph and Rebecca Pease Hughes. Educated locally, Mike was a graduate of Camden Hills Regional High School, Class of 2001. While in high school, Mike stayed active, participating in cross country and track.

Always one to be active and on the move, Mike went right to work after graduation. He started his landscaping career with Terra Optima Landscape, working side-by-side with his future employer, Craig Mitchell. Later he worked at EBS in Camden and Home Depot in Rockland before being asked by Craig to join his own landscaping company, Rockport Landscape and Design. Here Mike flourished. He was extremely proud of the work he and Craig completed throughout the Midcoast. From tree work to stone and tile jobs, Mike's eye for beauty can be seen all around. He was most proud of the mile-long walking path they created around the Pen Bay Medical Center Campus.

When he wasn't busy working, Mike loved being in the woods, shooting airsoft guns. The number one priority in his life was his family. He loved taking care of his little girl, Aubrey and his fiancée's children, Gabe and Jason, whom he thought of as his own. He was eagerly awaiting his up-coming October wedding to his best-friend and love of his life, Jaime. The two met in high school, becoming close friends quickly, and even though life took them in different directions, they remained friends eventually coming back together, both knowing they were meant to be.

Mike was easy-going and made friends easily wherever he went and was well liked by everyone he met. He had an infectious smile that could light up a room. He had a zest for life and made the lives of everyone around him better just by being there. Mike was truly one of a kind, taken too soon. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his paternal grandparents, James and Corinne Hughes; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Mabel Pease; and a cousin, Trisha Beattie; Mike is survived by his bride-to-be, Jaime Potter and their children, Gabe Oakes, Jason Oakes and Aubrey Hughes, all of Rockport; his parents, James Joseph “Joe” and Rebecca “Becky” Hughes of Appleton; his brother, Nick Hughes and his daughter, Emily, both of Rockland; his aunts and uncles, Pat and Vincent Pine, Bruce and Sharon Beattie, Bonnie and Stanley Robinson, and Dennis Pease; as well as many cousins, second cousins, great-aunts and -uncles, his future sister- and brother-in-law, Melissa and Michael Root; and a large loving extended family and many special friends, you know who you are!

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, April 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a celebration of his life will be held Saturday, April 15, at 11 a.m.. The Rev. Rick Catalano will officiate.