AUBURN – Michael S. Burns, 52, of Dixfield, died Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Hospice House, Auburn, after a courageous battle with cancer, with his family by his side.

He was born in Rumford, on June 18, 1956, the son of Harry and Theresa (Belanger) Burns. He graduated from Rumford High School, Class of 1974, and from Unity College, Class of 1977, with his degree in forestry.

He loved working in the woods and was a self-employed logger for several years, before going to work at Boise Cascade Paper Co. in Rumford. He then worked his way up to superintendent of No. 11 paper machine for NewPage Paper Co. in Rumford. He recently accepted a position as paper machine superintendent for Fraser Paper Co. in Madawaska.

He was a communicant of the Parish of the Holy Savior in Rumford. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, hiking and spending time at his hunting camp. He was very loving and supportive of his daughters and all of their endeavors as well as a great husband. He was a very avid New England sports fan and enjoyed spending time with his dog, “Lucie.”

He was married in Rumford on Nov. 11, 1978 to Paula A. Fergola, who survives of Dixfield.

Other survivors include daughters, Alyssa and Dana Burns of Saco; his mother, Theresa Burns of West Paris; sisters, Susan Burns Podzamsky of Atlantic Beach, Fla., and Sally Burns Mottalini of Orchard Park, N.Y.; brothers-in-law, John Mottalini of Hyde Park, N.Y., Greg Fergola of Peru and Victor Fergola and wife, Kelly of Hermon; nieces, Sarah Mottalini of Salem, Mass., Susanne Podzamsky of Atlantic Beach, Fla., and Kate Fergola of Hermon; and a nephew, Christopher Mottalini of Brooklyn, N.Y.