UNION – Michael L. White completed his life journey at Crawford Commons in Union on Oct. 15, 2022. Not superstitious by nature, Michael nevertheless liked to observe that his birthday, April 14, 1953, was 44 years to the day after the Titanic struck the iceberg.

He was born in Wooster, Ohio, to Clyde and Helene White. He derived his wit from his father and his artistic bent from his mother. The family later moved to Windswept Farm, where Michael became a skilled equestrian on American Saddlebred show horses.

Unfortunately, both parents passed away relatively young, by which time Michael had already started to descend into alcoholism. Later diagnosed with bipolar disorder, his life was compromised for many years by this major mental illness. But in his late 40s, he made a commitment to turn his life around, stopped drinking, and became a loyal member of AA, proudly sober for 20-plus years. He also committed to managing his mental health and was an example to others of living a fulfilling life, despite his illness.

Describing himself as a raconteur and voice-over artist, he was considered the star of a 2001 five-part Community TV series, “Breaking the Barriers – Mental Illness; Myths and Realities”. He candidly described his life’s ups and downs, and his engaging presentation made clear that people with mental illness are not dangerous and not to be feared.

As he freely acknowledged, his many years of heavy drinking affected his brain and focus, but did not diminish Michael’s love of the arts. He was a talented watercolor artist and, to the delight of many, gave a riveting rendition of Will Rogers’ song, “I Never Met a Man I Didn’t Like”, at a community performance in 2015.

A lover of cats, a fan of movies of all sorts, witty, politically opinionated, and an engaging conversationalist, Michael was a loyal friend to many. Recently diagnosed with lung cancer, he died at too early an age. Frustrating at times, but an example to many, he will be greatly missed.

Michael was predeceased by his parents; but survived by his sisters Mandy and Linda; and a niece and nephew.

His ashes will be scattered with his mother in Ohio.

Donations in his memory can be made to the

Animal Refuge League,

217 Landing Rd.,

Westbrook, ME 04092