Michael Sean Flahive

Michael Sean Flahive , 46
SCARBOROUGH -- Michael Sean Flahive passed away peacefully on April 4, 2013 at Maine Medical Center surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born on July 18, 1966 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Bangor, the beloved son of Jane F. Flahive of Windham and William J. Flahive Sr. of South Portland.
Michael attended special programs in Lawton, Oklahoma and Gardena, Calif. He attended Pride's Training School in South Portland and graduated from Woodford's Educational Center in Portland in 1986.
Michael had a life rich with adventures and wonderful family experiences as a little boy. The family lived for a short time in Lawton, Oklahoma, enjoying many family day trips. Next stop was Manhattan Beach, Calif. Michael loved visits with his little brothers to Disneyland, Sea World, Knotsberry Farm, and Pismo Beach. He also got to spend time with his aunts and uncles and cousins. A special memory was a camping trip to Mexico where the family Terry trailer was parked on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Each morning all were awakened to the sounds of wild horses thundering by.
Pulling the Terry trailer months later, the family headed back to Maine, camping out along the way. It was quite a crew; the family, two dogs, and Michael's beloved 'gramcracker.'
The family settled in South Portland. In 1972, Michael went to live at Pineland Center in Pownal. His family remained very active and involved in Michael's life. The Fourth of July celebration at Pineland was a major annual event and each year family and friends participated in the parade. Michael loved riding on the floats. The Maine Rowdy running group established the Pineland Center 400 Mile Relay from Fort Kent to Kittery to raise funds to support Michael and other Pineland residents. This 48-hour relay ran for seven years and proceeds helped to create a wheel chair accessible nature trail and special leisure room at the Center.
When Pineland Center closed, Michael's new home became CASA in Scarborough. It was there he spent much of his adult life, surrounded by loving, supportive staff and friends. They became his family. He was a happy and very busy man at CASA, attending local sporting events, roller skating, and going to plays, concerts and the beach. He made lasting friends and never missed their birthday partties. Michael also loved the
Michael Sean
Flahive
yearly family barbecues and Christmas parties. The family deeply appreciates the loving care and friendships Michael made over the years he lived at CASA.
Michael attended Creative Work Systems adult program. He was dearly loved by the staff and enjoyed going each day. Michael learned so many wonderful things there: how to express himself in art, to appreciate good music and stories, to value friends, and to be as independent as possible. The family also wishes to thank those at Creative Work Systems who, over the years, were an important part of Michael's life.
Michael was a precious gift. He touched so many lives. He faced life's challenges with dignity and determination, never complaining, accepting life for what it was. His wonderful smile, hand squeezes, captivating, dancing blue eyes, and sense of humor brought happiness to those around him. Michael gave more than he asked for and taught those around him to face challenges with grace and courage. This was best seen in his ability to convey to the world that he understood what life was about and that he accepted it. He was a true warrior, a free spirit who fought to the end.
Michael was predeceased by his grandparents Charles B. and Annamay S. Flahive and William V. and Anna L. Wareing. Survivors include his beloved brothers William J. Flahive Jr. and his wife Wendy of South Portland, and Erik J. Flahive and his wife Lonni of San Diego, Calif.; his loving step mother, Jean Flahive of South Portland; his adoring nieces Isabella M. and Annaliese S. Siegl Flahive and their mother, Dara Siegl; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and, his devoted lifelong friends, Julia Harris of Hammond, Ore. and Chris Wissley of Portland.
The family would like to thank Dr. Heidi Henninger for her support and loving care of Michael over the years. Also the family appreciates the wonderful care and emotional support demonstrated by the nurses and doctors during Michael's final stay at MMC.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Thank you to Hobbs Funeral Home, South Portland for handling arrangements.
Contributions in Michael's
name may be made to:
CASA
148 Gorham Rd
Scarborough, ME 04074 or:
Creative Work Systems
619 Brighton Ave.
Portland, ME 04102