MICHAEL JOSEPH PARADIS

WELLINGTON – Michael Joseph Paradis, 52, passed away unexpectedly Feb. 15, 2007, at his home. Michael was born Sept. 7, 1954, in Lynn, Mass., to loving parents, Leonce “Mickey” and Mary “Marie” Paradis. Michael attended and graduated from Lynn Voc Tech Institute, Class of 1972, where he learned the trade of printing and graphic art design. While attending Lynn Voc Tech, he was awarded Outstanding Student and Outstanding Offset Pressman for the Graphic Arts Department. Michael’s hobby and passion during this time was racing motorcycles. He competed in both motorcross and flat-tracking. After graduating from Lynn Tech, Michael went on to work in nuclear waste management on Lake Michigan with his uncle. Later, he worked at Laconia Racetrack and Gunstock Mountain. In 1981, Michael moved to Maine, and with the help of his father, built a new home for his family. He worked for Multipane Glass for 10 years, and later as a logger, truck driver, white-water rafting guide and up until his death, for Invine & Sons Contractors, Lynn, Mass. Michael lived his life to the fullest in every way possible. He loved fly-fishing, skiing, throwing horseshoes, mountain biking, camping, kayaking, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, watching sports, reading, playing cards with family and friends and traveling. Throughout his lifetime he traveled to or through all 50 states, with the exception of Hawaii. Michael was always open to trying new things, anything challenging or exhilarating. At the same time, he enjoyed quiet times of solitude in his workshop and camping in the northern Maine woods. He loved the wilderness and had a great respect for wildlife and nature. One of his favorite places to visit was Little Pleasant Pond and his favorite sound of nature was the call of the loons. Michael was a talented and self-taught craftsman. He built beautiful cedar kayaks, canoes and furniture from scratch, starting with logging and sawing the wood himself, and crafting it into a finished product. In 2006, Michael earned his Maine Guide License. For those who knew and loved him, Michael will be remembered as a man who followed his dreams, took chances, had fun and lived life his way. Michael was adventurous, kind-hearted, hardworking, loyal, patriotic and giving. A truly one of a kind person, who will never be replaced or forgotten. He is survived by his fiancee, Molly Page of Wellington and her children, Scott and Mariah; three sons, Michael C. Paradis and his wife, Diane, Eric M. Paradis and Andrew J. Paradis and his wife, Britney, all of Wellington; a daughter, Michelle M. Paradis and her fiance, Timmy Coghlan, of Sicuate, Mass.; a brother, Mark Paradis of Wellington; a grand-child, Ryan Michael Paradis of Wellington; a close cousin, who was like a brother, Franky; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Maureen Paradis. Visiting hours will be held 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at Smart and Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the funeral home. Arrangements are entrusted to Smart and Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan.