Born on June 27, 1970, in Lewiston, Maine, he attended Lewiston High School and graduated from Hebron Academy. Michael continued on to receive his B.S. degree in business from the University of Maine at Orono where he was active in the fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon. He graduated in 1995. During this time he spent summers working in Bar Harbor and hiked and biked most of the trails on Acadia National Park.
For a short time he worked in the family video distribution business. Michael enjoyed working with his hands and spent the majority of his career as a skilled carpenter, including the building of several homes in the Portland area, building the family house on Range Pond, and renovating his own home in Bath. Michael spent two years in Spain teaching English to professionals.
He began travelling while in high school spending two summers exploring countries throughout Europe with the family’s former Danish exchange student. Later he traveled with family or friends throughout the United States, Iceland, Europe, Africa, Canada, Bermuda and New Zealand to hike, ski and meet new friends.
He was a lifelong outdoor enthusiast and an Eagle Scout. He played baseball and soccer in his youth and continued his love of sports as an avid New England sports fan and World Cup soccer. He hiked along the Appalachian Trail, canoed on the Allagash and kayaked along the coast of Maine. He was a great young ski racer and later enjoyed ski trips throughout the United States.
He enjoyed spending time with his friends kayaking, skiing, playing music, camping, and hiking. He was an avid follower of international politics, and the stock market.
He was the beloved uncle of his two nieces who adored him and he could bring a smile and laughter that no one else could. He created room makeovers for them with his carpentry and design skills, and most importantly shared time with them, keeping up on all their current activities and creating an everlasting bond.
Michael will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Edward and Madelyn Given of Poland, Maine, and his sister Heather G. Bell, brotherin law, Scott Bell, and his beloved nieces, Morgan, 10, and Madison, 7, of Newton, New Hampshire. Michael will also be forever remembered by his many dear friends.
His warm compassionate spirit and generosity to others will always be remembered. He listened with his heart and spoke the truth. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation Fortin Auburn Friday 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church. Committal will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Those wishing to make donations in Michael’s memory may do so to a trust fund that will be set up in his name for a nature trail, donations may be sent to Madelyn Given, PO Box 2333, Lewiston ME 04241.
You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with his family on line at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.
A service of The Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn.
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