Michael L. Gates

Michael "Mickey" L. Gates, 61 of Acton passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Tuesday morning May 27, 2008. Mickey had worked for the past 19 years as a rural route carrier for the Lebanon Post Office. He retired after 23 years from the U.S. Navy as a Master Chief. During that time he served on nuclear submarines. He was also a member of the Huns Motorcycle Club. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandchildren. His hobbies included photography, breeding snakes, and gardening. Mickey was a unique individual who was always happy and appreciated every aspect of life. Mickey was predeceased by three brothers, Terrence, Thomas and Stephen Gates.Surviving are his wife of thirty years Irene, three brothers, two sisters, one son and his wife, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Visiting hours will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 PM on Friday, May 30th at Lafrance Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street in Sanford. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 31st. Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Acton.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the Maine Forestry Service, attn: Peter Beringer, 22 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333-0022To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left