Michael Mills Sr
Age - 77
November 29, 2023
Michael Blake Mills Sr. , beloved husband and grandpa, passed away November 25, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. Mike was born August 15, 1946, the son of Gregory and Emogene (McLaughlin) Mills. He grew up in Monticello, where he lived, gardened, and collected many "items" we laugh about today that he loved to say, "Someone might need someday. "Mike was deeply rooted in the land and the simple pleasures of life. Raised on the Fletcher Road farm, he developed a love for the soil and the hard work it demanded. His steadfast work ethic and heart for tinkering led him to life on the open road, driving trucks for Carter Brothers, C&W, and H O Bouchard. There wasn't a spot on this side of the Mississippi, you could mention that Mike couldn't give you a landmark for from all his adventures. He was a man you could count on for direction in life and on the road. Though he found solace in the hum of an engine and the open highway, his heart remained tethered to the countryside. He found great joy in the quiet moments, his green thumb and love for cultivating life evident in his vegetable garden and the mowing of his lawns, what became therapeutic tasks he approached with care and precision. After leaving the open road behind him, you could be sure to find him at one of his faithful fishing holes: the one with the fish, the one with the fiddleheads, and the one with all his friends (also known as Beals Country Store. ) His connection to the town of Monticello was a thread that ran through the tapestry of his life as these regular visits to Beals, or the post office were more than errands -- they were opportunities to catch up on the happenings of the community, to share in the stories of neighbors, and to immerse himself in the pulse of small-town life. The love story between Mike and his devoted wife, Melissa, was at the heart of his life. For 54 years, their partnership was a testament to enduring love and the strength which comes from facing life's challenges hand in hand. Melissa was not only his spouse but his confidante, his anchor, and the source of immeasurable joy. If Melissa was his heart, his family was his heartbeat. Mike's love for his grandchildren knew no bounds, each a cherished soul who brought a unique sparkle to his eyes. However, it was in the playful laughter and innocent joy of his great-grandsons that a special kind of magic unfolded. It was the camaraderie of a close-knit community and the great love of his wife and family that made up the building blocks of the man we remember today. Mike is survived by his wife, Melissa (Sansom) Mills; children, Michael Jr. (Angela) Mills, Reggie (LeAnne) Bragdon, Denise (Don) Gouin, and Greg (Nannette) Mills; grandchildren, Haven, Sierra and husband, Jasper, Samantha, Bianca, Briar, and Bryce; great-grandsons, Channing, Calvine, and Lion; sisters, Connie (Mills) Sandstrom, Peggy (Mills) Keck, Sue (Mills) and husband, Kenny Dion; and his extended family. In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by several aunts and uncles. In honoring Michael Blake Mills, let us take a moment to appreciate the beauty of a well-tended garden, the tranquility of a quiet fishing spot, and the satisfaction of a job well done and a family well loved. As we say our goodbyes, we remember him not only for the miles he traveled but for the roots he planted. Relatives and friends are welcome to call 12-1 p. m. Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Military St. Baptist Church, 307 Military St. , Houlton, where a celebration of Mike's life will be held at 1 p. m. with the Rev. Randall Burns officiating. Those attending are welcome to share conversation and refreshments at the Church Fellowship Hall, immediately following the service. Interment will be held at the Foster Cemetery, Monticello, following the reception. Those wishing to remember Michael in a special way may consider gifts in his memory to the Bridge to Hope, c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St. Houlton, ME 04730. Condolences to the family may be expressed at DunnFuneral. comShow more
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