Michael Dowey

SANFORD -- Michael G. Dowey, age 25, died Monday, June 11, 2007, at Maine Medical Center after a tragic accident.He was born in Sanford, Maine, March 20, 1982, a pleasure and a son of Glenn J. and Denise M. (Pepin) Dowey his proud parents.His life was filled with love and given purpose a few years ago by the love of his life, Erica Levesque. His face would glow when she entered the room and his smile would beam. She gave him his most prized possession of his life, the gift of love.He attended St. Thomas School and was a Class of 2000 graduate of Sanford High, a truly remarkable Class of friends. He attended Maine Maritime Academy. He graduated a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Society, an International Scholastic Order, from Seattle Maritime Academy where he finished his studies to become a marine engineer.During his High School and early college years, he worked for his Uncle and Aunt at Professional Painting and Paperhanging Service where he learned his "New England" work ethic. Mike could not address his Aunt Karen just as Karen and would often be heard at the work site calling in a tone, "Auntie Karen", a loving and affectionate term.Upon graduation from Seattle Maritime Academy in 2003, he was employed by Polar Tankers, a Connoco Phillips company as a marine engineer. He was mentored by many Maine Maritime Engineers, including his cousin, David Pepin. It was reported to his parents by one of his Chief Engineers, Dave Delcamp, that Mike would take the off hour watches, volunteer for extra time, and worked with enthusiasm during the 12 hour days, 7 days a week when he was needed. His first Christmas, after beginning his employment, he explained to his Dad that there where many young Dad's at sea for Christmas, who wanted to be home with their children. He wanted to cut his time off short and go back to work during his Christmas, so that these Dads could give a "good" Christmas to their children. Michael was a true "Bridge Builder" who would stop on his journey through life to build a bridge, so that someone else's journey would be easier. During the last week of his life, he was volunteering at the Sanford Food Pantry to paint the walls, as a gift from him to those who need brightness in life.Mike had a quick wit and would often put a smile on a friend's face, especially if they needed one and often when they least expected it. A good personality trait he had learned from both of his Grandfathers. He was very blessed to have so many true and loving friends especially the ones he called his "adopted brothers"; very good men he had known from childhood.He was a very active person. During his free time he loved soccer, baseball, basketball, skiing, snowmobiling and riding his motorcycle in the fresh Maine air. He loved being with family and friends, enjoying their company, and living in the moment.Mike was a communicant of St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, Notre Dame Church. A member of the Springvale Knights of Columbus and the Sanford Lodge Elks.Mike has been welcomed into heaven by his grandfathers Bert Pepin and Jim Dowey and his grandmother Lucille Dowey.His is survived by his love, Erica Levesque, his parents Glenn and Denise Dowey, his grandmother Noella (Roux) Pepin, his loving Godparents, Rudy and Tami Pepin, his aunts and uncles, Jim Pepin, Louie and Karen Desruisseaux, and Dinah Pepin. He is further survived by his cousins, Louie, Leanne, and Adam Desruisseaux; Dan and Lynn (Pepin) Toof; Jamie and Heather Pepin.Erica and the family will receive guests during visiting hours from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 15th at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish at Notre Dame Church in Springvale, Maine. They will be celebrating the gift of eternal life at a mass to be held on Saturday, June 16th at 10:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Church.In lieu of flowers and to honor Mike as a "Bridge Builder", the family has established the Michael G. Dowey Scholarship Fund at Seattle Maritime Academy. They invite all those who would like to join Mike in being a "Bridge Builder", to make the journey of life easier for those who come after us, to donate to this fund at the following address:SCCC Foundation, 1701 Broadway, Room 4180, Seattle, WA 98122Arrangements are through the care of Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter St., Sanford. To leave the family a message of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.