Norwood, Mass., And Bangor, Maine
NORWOOD, MASS., AND BANGOR - The world lost a good man on June 23, 2014, as a very special and beautiful person left us far too soon. Born October 9, 1949, and known as Mickie Bumstead for the past 35 years, he was an erudite autodidact who, through a lifetime of voracious reading combined with critical thinking, acquired and retained a vast and thorough knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. Mickie never grew tired of learning.
A gentleman and a man of honor, Mickie was fiercely intelligent, had a formidable intellect, a razor-sharp and wickedly funny wit, and an abundance of common sense. He raised sarcasm to an art form, and had absolutely no pretensions. He was the best friend and the best brother that one could ever have hoped to have.
Remarkably, these qualities were not even the best of him. First, last, and foremost, he was an incredibly talented musician. A drummer and singer for nearly 60 years, he also played bass, guitar and keyboards, and composed dozens of songs. Of the many bands he played in during his lifetime, he would be happiest being remembered as the founding member and driving force of The Bumsteads. Music was his greatest joy in life, and he felt grateful and fortunate that he got to spend his life as a musician.
He will be sorely missed and never forgotten by the many who loved him.
Drum on, Mickie.
This obituary was originally published in the BDN Maine.
Kevin/Mickie -- can't wait until the Mickie Bumstead Tribute Party in May 2015 in Walpole, MA. I'm expecting you to be there in spirit . .. perhaps you will sing lead and play drums, standing up?
Ella Torme
January 23, 2015 | Bangor, ME
Saddened to hear about Kevin. He was a wonderful, funny, nice guy. The first time I remember seeing Kevin, he was on stage at the old Bangor city hall tap dancing while playing a snare drum. Later we got together in various bands and had the best of times. Kevin had a sharp wit but always had a kindness about him that one rarely sees. Condolences to his family and friends. I still live on Maple St. and everytime I go by his prior house,I think of him. Now it shall be bittersweet as I pass by....
July 20, 2014
Thinking of you Karen and the Maple St. gang. Jeannie M.
July 03, 2014
Dear Kim & Karen: You are in my thoughts and prayers today and always. My thoughts go all the way back to early days on Maple Street and beyond. We all had such good times together as friends. Kevin was such a unique person in every way...May you find comfort in days ahead w/all the special memories of days past. Love-U--Jess
Jessica McKinnon
June 30, 2014 | Bangor, ME
Dear Karen and all friends of Kevin, I recall spending raucous times with Kevin, Simon and others, also at Maple St. He was a multi-talented guy with a zany sense of humor. So sorry for everyone's loss. - Dicky Dee
June 30, 2014
RIP Thumper Micky from yer Left Coast "Cuzzin"
Joel Porter
June 28, 2014 | Portland,, OR
So sorry for your loss. Kevin and I were classmates (and fellow drummers) at John Bapst High from 1963-1966 and we spent many good times together just "hanging out" on I believe was Maple St.!
Mark Foley
June 28, 2014 | Brewer, ME
Karen and Kim, we are so sorry to hear about Kevin, you are in our thoughts and prayers.May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Brad & Dee
Brad & Dee Goodwin
June 28, 2014 | Eddington, ME
