Mike Gerstner Obituary
September 27, 1947- December 21, 2025 Biddeford, ME
Those of us who knew Mike and loved him often heard him recommend the 11th commandment. "Don't get caught."
Once you got to know Mike you realized that it went much deeper than an encouragement to trivial mischief
+It's
-Don't get caught giving in to other people's expectations.
-Don't get caught living a life without joy.
-Don't get caught ignoring the wonders of nature
-Don't get caught not releasing your creative side.
-Don't get caught not finding joy and pure spirit in the people around you.
Hold fast to those you hold dear. In the blink of an eye they are gone.
As Mike would say "Pax vobiscum"
------
Mike spent his childhood in many locations as part of an Army family. He graduated from high school in 1965 and served in Vietnam as a lieutenant. He then moved to Sugarloaf Mountain (Carabassett, ME) where he pursued both skiing and photography. He eventually settled in Biddeford where he was known for leading kayak tours (Gone With the Wind kayaking), sign making of both traditional gold leaf signs and vinyl signs for the Portland community, and photography. At various times he did high school portraiture and studio shoots for many Maine businesses but nature photography was always his forte. His guitar and his trumpet were never far from his side and he was always eager to join in the music making. At times he played on street corners and donated the money to the local food bank.
Mike's life will be long celebrated by his six sisters (Jo Ann, Janet, Patty, Mary, Karen, and Carol.) and the Biddeford /Saco community that loved and supported him through his adventures
A Celebration of Mike's life will be planned for the future. If you would like to be notified of the plans as they progress please contact any of the sisters or send an email to [email protected].
If you would like to make a donation in his name please consider the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick, ME, Preble Resource Center in Portland, ME or Marine Mammals of Maine.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mike, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Kevin McKinney
Yesterday
Michael ......
Was a dear friend from Sugarloaf in the early 70´s thru here on the Seacoast. Never an ill word or awkward moment ......a friend through and true .....
Sail on .....the world is a little sadder today. Rest in Peace. Kevin & Laurie McKinney. Photo : Ogunquit 1984
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480 Elm Street, Biddeford, ME 04005
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