UNION — Michael James Strong, 71, died Dec. 11, 2015, from complications of pancreatic cancer.

Born in Lewiston on Feb. 6, 1944, he was the son of Vivan and Madora (Gagnon) Strong. He was raised on the family farm in Hebron with his two brothers, David and Jack. Working on the farm he developed a very strong work ethic that continued throughout his life. He attended Brighton Hill School, Hebron Academy and the University of Maine at Orono, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta and a pitcher on the Black Bears baseball team. He graduated from UMO with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering.

After graduation he moved with his family to "The Mission" in Tenants Harbor, where he lobstered with his father-in-law, Charlie Duff, and his uncle, John Duff, on the St. George River in his boat, Tiff Tam. He had an affinity for lobstering and soon after bought a house on Matinicus Island, where he continued his career as a lobsterman aboard his 36-foot wooden boat, Tiffany Tamara.

Michael had many hobbies, including piloting his own planes, one of which was a "brandy" new red and white Bellanca Scout, and going for rides in his silver Corvette. He was an incredibly smart man and a voracious reader. He particularly enjoyed reading about science, astronomy, mathematics, politics and current events; anything to satisfy his love of learning. He recently spoke of his excitement about the eventual colonization of the moon and Mars. An avid Boston sports fan, he loved watching the Red Sox and Patriots. His laugh was legendary and everyone around him laughed when he laughed.

In the mid-1970s he bought his mother-in-law's cottage on Seven Tree Pond in Union and remained there for the rest of his life. While renovating the cottage he found his true calling, designing and building beautiful homes. He built four homes there, living in three. He loved the lake, delighting in listening to the loons and watching the turtles. He also enjoyed feeding the chipmunks on his deck, and spotting the eagles in their nests.

He was a generous man and loved to make everyone happy. He was passionate about his children and grandchildren, who called him “Guggs.” In fact, he loved and related to all children. Guggs enjoyed spending time with them on the lake and at the ocean. Some of his favorite things to do with them were blueberry picking, four-wheeling, clamming, rock skipping and exploring the outdoors.

He was predeceased by his brother, John V. Strong. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his brother, David L. Strong; his children, Tiffany Strong and her partner, Joe Bates, and Tamara Strong, and their sister, Ericka Theriault, who was like a daughter to him; and the mother of his children, Karen Anderson. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael Strong Bosma, Charlotte Strong-Ames, Macy Strong Bosma, Drew Theriault and Reid Theriault; his goddaughters, Taryn and Danielle Chase; and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, Dec. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m.., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a celebration of Mike's life will be held Friday, Dec. 18 at 11 am. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate. A reception will follow.

Memorial donations may be made to AstraZeneca Hope Lodge, 125 S. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130 or online at pancan.org.