Michael J. Bourque, 58, of Chesterville, ME, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on January 25, 2023, at the home that he shared with his wife of 10 years, Jessica Bourque.  Michael, known as Mike to his family and friends, was born August 27, 1964, in Lawrence, MA, the son of Richard Bourque and Theresa (Socci) Bourque.

Michael entered the workforce directly after high school, settling in Amesbury, MA, with his first wife, Kathleen (Sukeforth) Bourque, and their three children.  Mike worked full time, volunteered as a den leader in his son's Cub Scout troop, and was an equal partner in caring for his home and kids.  Mike built his life around his family and could often be found at one of the homes of his siblings’ playing cards or visiting his late mother.

He shared his wood working talents with his children teaching them as he built lawn ornaments, sheds or did home improvements; but beware of April first because he might be hiding some ketchup under his work bench to fool an unsuspecting victim!  He loved to make others laugh and to have a good time.  It gave him a thrill to jump scare others.  Kids beware of his surprise armpit tickles!  He would tease, "Let go of my finger, set it free, don't break up my finger and me!"

Mike Enjoyed nature and camping.  The real kind of camping, without cheating.  In a tent, with a sleeping bag, eating cold spaghetti o’s right out of the can.  Don’t forget your most important supplies for your hike, the TP!  Often leaving the Rain Goddess at home.

Mike said, “I love you,” generously; and he shared his love with gifts.  At Christmas the house was decorated to the hilt for holidays.  He would stay up all night cooking the ham and watching A Christmas Story marathon.  He would rest his eyes in his recliner so he could see the first reactions of his family to the pile of presents with a star on top.  There was a tree in there somewhere!  If you watched any of the Holiday cartoon specials with him, you might get quizzed on who that guy is licking his pickaxe.  The holidays brought out a childlike excitement in him that everyone adored.

Mike lived the early seasons of his life for others. As his body waxed old and he was forced into disability, he began his own journey to self-actualization.  Sadly, his first marriage ended after 28 years, and Mike began to create a new life from the ground up.

Michael married Jessica (Kaplan) Bourque in Salem, Massachusetts, on April 27, 2012.  They attended many fun events together, like the New Year’s Eve party at Santa’s Village.  He would always ask you to call ahead before a visit because he and his best friend, Jessica, were always on a new adventure somewhere.  Over the last three years Mike worked to build his dream home for him and his love.

In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by his brother, Roger.  Surviving in addition to his wife, Jessica, are his son Michael Bourque II and his wife Christine; daughters, Theresa Bourque and her Husband Christopher Mann of West Forks, ME, Kathleen Bourque-Davidson and her husband James Davidson, of Chelsea, ME; brothers, Richard Bourque and wife June, Wayne Bourque and wife Billie Jo of Rochester, NH, Donald Bourque and wife Diane; sister, Diane Truman and husband Almon of Chelsea, ME; 7 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews

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There will be a pot luck style dinner at 254 Townhouse rd Chelsea, ME, in honor of Michael's memory on March 11, 2023, at 1 pm.  In leui of flowers the family respectfully asks, if you are able, for donations toward his cremation expences at https://gofund.me/fa033a1a