Michael had a big impact on the lives of so many people here in his hometown of Rumford. It is easy to remember his smile and his sense of humor. Even on his toughest days he could make you laugh.

Michael was a courageous inspiration to many cancer patients in the River Valley area of Rumford. He was well known for his wonderful sense of humor and his great outlook on life.

Michael was diagnosed with testicular cancer that metastasized to his brain, shortly before his wedding day. He was a college student and a great athlete so this was a tremendous blow for him. He and his wife Sherry fought his cancer with a determination that only true love can do. They looked for new treatments, clinical trials and read any new articles that might make a difference in his cancer.

Michael had a great inner strength but he also had tremendous support from his family especially Richard and Doreen Dupuis and his brother Jim. Michael taught many of us to look for the best in the worst situations. He had a wonderful sense of humor, teased his nurses and played practical jokes on Doreen.

Michael fought his battle with cancer for 17 years, many years beyond his prognosis.

He knew and appreciated the value of research, because research gave him the opportunity to see his beautiful daughter Erin grow and enjoy her childhood.

Michael loved Relay For Life! He looked forward to the event every year. We often saw him scooting around the track in his motorized wheelchair long after the first lap, studying the luminaries and enjoying the atmosphere that makes Relay so special to many survivors. In the early years of our Relay For Life events he would try to stay overnight so he wouldn’t miss a moment. He was always smiling, always Michael.

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