1965 – 2013

THE VILLAGES, Fla. — Mike David Sjostrom, 47, of The Villages, Fla., and Corea, died suddenly Monday, Sept. 23, of unknown causes.

Born Dec. 20, 1965, he grew up in Auburn and graduated from Edward Little High School in 1984. He made the Downeast area his home and recently began wintering in The Villages, Fla.

Constant, true, devoted, caring, grounded, genuine, gentle, witty, farmer (Farmville) and gregarious are but a few words to describe Mike.

Mike spent his adult life caring for others. He worked as a CNA at Cortland Nursing Home in Ellsworth for many years. He most recently worked as an in-home caregiver for his beloved sister, Karen, until her passing, followed by providing care for his brother-in-law, Robert Hedger. He was selfless and determined as caregiver, dialysis buddy, traveling Sherpa, personal assistant, companion and fellow spiritual voyager over the years.

In whatever Mike did, he did so with a warm smile, a rich laugh and a twinkle in his eyes.

Mike loved the connectedness of social media; anyone lucky enough to be his “Facebook Friend” can attest to his incredible sharp and dry (and usually on the money) wit and humor.

He was a member of Twin City Council of the United Commercial Travelers for several years, following in the footsteps of his dearly departed parents, Dave and Peggy Sjostrom, and with Karen and Robert Hedger. Mike was actively involved in the Lion’s Club and was an amazing cook.

He was an avid reader of the sci-fi genre. Although Mike never had children of his own, he made his nieces and nephews a priority in his life sharing books, music, time and love with each and every one of them, who lovingly referred to him as “Uncle Hairy Mike.”

Mike is survived by his three sisters, Mary Ellen Sjostrom of Lewiston, Vicki Sjostrom and her partner, Lenny Merrill, of Auburn and Tina Manley and husband, Bruce, of North Yarmouth; his nieces and nephews; his brother-in-law, Robert Hedger of Florida; as well as his soul mate and best friend, Belinda. Mike also leaves Charlie, his beloved dog.