Michael Hakes

Millinocket – Michael H. Hakes, 69, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday afternoon, April 5, 2016. He was born November 19, 1946 in Miami, Florida, the son of Howard and Evelyn (Cliett) Hakes. After graduating from Southwest Senior High School with the class of 1965, he joined the Army and served a tour in Vietnam. After his military service, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. He married Donna Dickinson of Millinocket on October 27, 1972 in Miami, and in the fall of 1974 they moved to Millinocket to raise their family. For a short period of time, Mike worked for the Red & White grocery store in Millinocket, and then began working for the Great Northern Paper Company in Millinocket in 1975, where he continued working until he retired in 2009. Mike was a dedicated worker, rarely missing work for illness. He was a very good provider for his family, always willing to do what was necessary to support his family. He was not too proud to have taken jobs pumping gas or travelling 80 miles during periods when the mill was down. Mike loved to spend time hunting in the woods or fishing the waters in the Katahdin region. He gave up fishing after getting “hooked” one too many times, and spending more time untangling lines of fishing companions than actually fishing! After retiring, a favorite pastime became scouting good berry picking spots. He helped Donna home school their children, and was a dedicated worker at Tri Town Christian Academy in Medway, and a volunteer at many area events. Mike was very passionate about whatever he was involved in. He had a unique ability to remain focused on whatever held his interest, no matter what other distractions might be going on around him. When he was home, he could often be found watching sporting or political events on television, and loudly sharing his thoughts of either, regardless of who might be within earshot. He was a past member of Francis Elliott VFW Post #4154 in Millinocket. Mike will be remembered as a patient and understanding man, and a devoted husband, father, and friend. He was supportive of whatever his wife did, especially her habit of collecting kids and pets. He will be lovingly missed and fondly remembered by his many friends and large family. Mike is survived by his wife of 43 years, Donna J. Hakes of Millinocket; twelve children, Amy Tyler and her husband Sam of Fort Collins, Colorado, Michael Hakes of Phoenix, Arizona, Jessica Tyler and her husband Jon of Brunswick, Tiffany Coffin and her husband Stan of Lincoln, Isaiah Booth of Old Town, Zechariah Hakes and his wife Malia of Lincoln, Elijah Hakes, Noah Hakes, Leahjordan Hakes, Alex Hakes, Isaac Hakes, all of Millinocket, and Amanda Hakes of Lincoln; seven grandchildren, Nathan, Abbigayle, Owen, Evan, Jonah, Gabriel, and Samuel; a sister, Jena Congdon and her husband Richard; a nephew, Courtney Congdon and his wife Alison, all of Miami; his mother in law, Joan Dickinson of Millinocket; and several cousins, in laws, and friends, too numerous to list. Mike was predeceased by his parents. Funeral services will be held 1 PM Saturday, April 9 at the Faith Baptist Church, 244 Massachusetts Avenue, Millinocket. Friends are invited to visit with the family for the hour preceding the service. Gifts in memory of Mike may be sent to the Millinocket Regional Hospital, 200 Somerset Street, Millinocket, ME 04462.