Obituary of Michael D. Pearson

Michael D. Pearson, 78, died peacefully in his sleep on March 14, 2020 in Cambodia. He was born on Christmas, Dec. 25, 1941 in Bangor, the son of Dr. John J. and Claris A. (Davis) Pearson. Mike served in the Air Force until 1964, and subsequently enrolled and graduated from the University of Maine in Orono in 1968. He taught history at Brewer High School retiring in 1987. Mike cared a great deal about his civic duties. He spent 20 years serving in the Maine State Legislature for 6 terms, retiring in 1994. He was head of the Appropriations and Fisheries and Wildlife Committees. He also served on the Old Town and Enfield city councils as well as the Enfield School Board. Mike spent the last 30 years of his life helping multiple underprivileged folks from Eastern Europe, South America and Asia by giving them financial support and access to housing and education at the University of Maine. When he died this spring in Cambodia he was in the middle of helping local families with money for digging wells and fixing their roofs. Surviving are his sister, Sara Dufour and her husband, Peter of Old Town and a brother, John Pearson and his wife, Sandra of Windham; nieces, nephews and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents and by a sister, Ann Pearson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately at Holy Family Catholic Church, Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Old Town because of current state restrictions and burial with military honors will be with his parents at Lawndale Cemetery, Old Town. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Parish of the Resurrection, 429 Main St., Old Town, ME 04468 to benefit St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Indian Island. Arrangements are trusted to Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer. Messages and memories may be shared with his family at kileyandfoley.com.