Portland – Michael Jordan Parsons, 59, of Upper Village in New Gloucester, passed away unexpectedly Friday afternoon, Nov. 7.

He was born in Lewiston on Sept. 24, 1949, a son of Edgar and Natalie (Hood) Parsons. He was educated in local schools and graduated from Gray-New Gloucester in 1967. Mike was a mason by trade and worked in construction for over 30 years for Cianbro Corporation.

He was truly a free spirit and easily made friends wherever he roamed with his warm smile and generous ways. He was a man you could always count on and one who saw the good even when things looked bad. He was a true champion of the underdog and his loyalty, compassion, and friendship will be missed by many. He was a man you were proud to know and call friend.

His favorite holiday was Halloween. Those who knew him will certainly remember his favorite costume! Fryeburg Fair was also a time he looked forward to each year and great memories were made with his friends on the fair circuit. He took great pride in owning his Harley Davidson, although he spent many frustrated hours trying to keep her running. He was a simple man who enjoyed the outdoors, and spent many evenings gathered around a campfire with family and friends. He loved to tend to the fire and was often the last one standing. He was always up for a good game of pool at his brother Roger’s house and never went far without his dog, Maggie. He found astrology and natural herbs and remedies very interesting and one could always count on a good debate when it came to religion or politics. His newest passion was organic gardening and he spent many hours pouring over seed catalogs with his mother Natalie.

He was a wonderful son, dad, brother, uncle and friend, but above all, his greatest pleasure in life was his grandchildren. He was very proud of them and because he was truly still a kid at heart, he was the best “Grampy” in the world. He never missed their birthdays and loved going to ball games, recitals and special events to cheer them on. He was so overwhelmed with love and pride that sometimes it seemed as though he might burst. Anyone who knew Mike knew how special his grandkids were to him. He will forever be remembered as a fun-loving guy with a big heart and a twinkle in his eye.

He leaves behind his mother Natalie, of New Gloucester; three children, Donald Wiggin of Lewiston, Travis Parsons and wife, Erika, of Naples and Carolee (Parsons) Beaulieu and husband, Gary, of Raymond; five grandchildren, Abby Gardner, Hannah, Hailey and Logan Parsons and Nicole Beaulieu; three brothers, David Parsons and wife, Janice, of New Gloucester, Robert Parsons and wife, Dee, of New Gloucester and Roger Parsons and wife, Debbie, of Bridgton; a sister, Susan (Parsons) Decosta of Florida and many beloved nieces and nephews.