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Michael Chagnon Obituary
Millbury - Michael Paul Chagnon of Millbury, passed away February 27, 2016 at his home after a short battle with cancer. His loving family was by his side. He was 60 years old.
Those who knew Mike would describe him as a generous and selfless man who spared no expense to put a smile on a loved one's face. To many, he was a quiet, steady presence. But those who observed him with his grandchildren saw him unreserved-a boisterous, silly playmate whose presence elicited shrieks of adoration from the kids.
Family vacations were spent on New England Campgrounds and beaches. His love of the outdoors was shared with his children-and later his grandchildren-during annual summer trips. Mike had a lifelong passion for Boston sports and family outings to Fenway and Foxborough became cherished memories. On summer days, Mike combined his love of sport and nature on the golf course, or honing his cornhole skills on backyards and beaches alongside his son. Mike also took pleasure in home improvement-a skilled handyman, he always used his mind and hands to explore a project before asking for assistance.
Mike graduated from Narragansett HS in 1973. He received his Associates Degree from Mount Wachusett CC and his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Boston University. Mike was a valued employee and admired manager at Digital, Compaq and Hewlett-Packard. For years he organized and participated in the company golf league.
Throughout his life, Mike faced serious health issues with strength and optimism. At age 27, he received a cadaver kidney transplant which beat incredible odds by surviving 33 years. His enthusiasm and energy never waned, and providing enriching experiences for his children was always his main focus. Those who know Liz, Michelle and Mike Jr. know he and Theresa succeeded remarkably.
Celebrating his life are his wife Theresa of Millbury, daughters Elizabeth Kelsey and husband Justin of Natick, Michelle Raymond and husband Matthew of Natick, and son Michael of Millbury. "Pépère" will forever be loved and remembered by his grandchildren Alina and Elle Kelsey, and Nathan and Devin Raymond. Joining them in celebration are sisters Penny Rogers of Indian Harbour Beach, FL, Claire O'Brien and husband Danny of Barre, Mary Beth Krauss and husband Paul of Templeton, brother Scott Whitney and wife Judy of Bridgeton, ME, along with countless friends and colleagues.
In addition to his mother Doris Whitney, father Gerard Chagnon and step-father Lester Whitney he was preceded in death by his sister Diane Chagnon and God Parents Pat and Rita Boulanger.
Funeral services will take place on Friday March 4th at 10:30am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1290 Grafton St, Worcester MA 01604. Celebration of Life gathering will take place at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, 284 R Temple St, Boylston, MA following the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Mike Chagnon to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.jimmyfund.org/gift.
To become an organ donor or to learn more, visit http://donatelife.net. Please visit an online guestbook to share a memory of Mike or message of sympathy with his family at:
www.RoneyFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Chagnon
Leen Uytterhoeven
March 4, 2016
My heart is saddened by your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories give you peace and comfort.
I am grateful to have had the pleasure of working with Mike, and I will miss his advice and his kindness.
Leen Uytterhoeven
March 4, 2016
My heart is saddened by your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories give you peace and comfort. I am very grateful to have had the pleasure of working with Mike, and I will miss his advise and his kindness.
Dominic Carr
March 4, 2016
Having worked with Mike for over 20 years, he was more than just a colleague, he was a good friend. Jeanne and I are saddened at his passing, our condolences to Mike's family. God bless.
Jay Wilson
March 4, 2016
I only met Mike a year ago through the golf league he ran.I feel very privileged to have met him,he made me feel very welcome,and was a very kind person. I was deeply saddened to here of his loss.
Jay Wilson -Shrewsbury
Mike at "Allora"
March 3, 2016
Richard Pullen
March 3, 2016
When life becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure!
Andrew Moss
March 3, 2016
Mike was so helpful to me as a new member of the team. He made me feel welcome, appreciated, and I truly enjoyed working with him at HPE. My only regret was not being able to meet him in person. My prayers are with his family.
-Andrew Moss
Yvette Richard
March 3, 2016
I could not have asked for a better brother in law!
Rupin Mohan
March 3, 2016
Mike was a gentle soul who I will miss and remember all my life. He was like a big brother giving life and golf advise for more than a decade we worked together at Hewlett-Packard. My deepest condolences to the family on passing away of Mike. God bless his soul. Lots of love, Rupin Mohan
Louise Birt-Ellowitz
March 3, 2016
I will always remember Michael with his warm smile and gentle demeanor. I was saddened to hear of his passing. What the world loss, Heaven gained. May your entire family be blessed by God.
Yvette Richagd
March 3, 2016
MIKE WILL BE SADLY MISSED, COULD NOT ASK FOR A BETTER BROTHER IN LAW. ALWAYS THERE TO LEND A HAND.
Flora Janssens-Robinson
March 2, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Steve Feeley
March 2, 2016
I remember Chaggy from the early days of Digital. Mike was truly one of the great guys to work with. He always made it fun. He will be missed and I'm blessed to have known him.
Janet Mosbrook
March 2, 2016
Mike was a great colleague, I enjoyed working with him. He brought levity and honesty to every situation, I will miss him tremendously. Our thoughts are with you all.
Cheryl DeLeo
March 2, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mikey's family. We'll certainly miss him around the office. He was an all around great guy, coworker, and good friend. God bless.
Ari LiVigni
March 2, 2016
Mike was my mentor when I started at Digital and I couldn't have asked for a better person to help guide me. He definitely helped shape my career. His laugh was infectious. He always made people live up to their full potential. I am a better person for having known him.
Tom Mansir
March 2, 2016
My thoughts and condolences are with Mike's family at this sad time. Mike was a great guy, always willing to pitch in and help, most often with a smile and a laugh. He was not just a coworker of mine for many years, but a dear friend as well.
The Gurin family
March 2, 2016
Good Bye to Mike - a true friend, a wonderful man. We love you, we will miss you always.
Pompea Minardi
March 2, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mike was a good friend to all his colleagues at work and we will all miss him.
With Sincere Sympathy,
-Pompea Minardi
Celeste Pullen
March 2, 2016
Mike faced every difficulty with optimism and determination. He was the first to smile and the last to complain. He was an inspiration to all of us.
March 2, 2016
My condolences to the entire family. I will miss Mike as a dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Best Regards.
Fred Massoudian
Tracey Plante
March 2, 2016
"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow." Mike talked so much about his family and all the wonderful vacations ya'll took together. May those memories give you strength. Michael's presence at HPE will be greatly missed! He wasn't just a co-worker, he was an amazing friend! May he rest in peace until we see him again!
March 2, 2016
Nancy Richard
Melissa (Richard) Sullivan
March 1, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of my Uncle Mike's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with my Aunt Theresa, and my cousins Elizabeth, Michelle and Michael Jr and their families.
Shawn Zoldak
March 1, 2016
Our deepest sympathy for your time of loss. Theresa, Liz, Michelle and Michael, may god bless his newest angel.
Brian O'Malley
March 1, 2016
My condolences to the entire family.
Mary Beth Krauss
March 1, 2016
You will forever be in my heart big bro! I love you dearly and will miss you greatly.
Bob Richard
March 1, 2016
Mike's sense of humor and broad smile will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Irene Sokolowski
March 1, 2016
Michael I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing, please except my condolences to you and your family. You are all in my prayers .
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