With profound sadness and a heavy heart, I announce that my beautiful son, Michael Shone, age 45, has lost his courageous battle with addiction, which he desperately tried to overcome. Michael died suddenly on January 13th, 2023.
While I am deeply saddened to see him go, I am relieved that his struggle has ended and he is now at peace.
Michael grew up in Saco and loved playing sports and weightlifting. He was very athletic, played football, and loved to ski. As Michael got older, he then moved to Portland and spent much of his time in his garden tending to his beautiful plants. Michael was always up for a spontaneous adventure, whether that was shopping, running errands, or even taking a cruise with his cousins to Dunkin Donuts to get a hazelnut coffee. Michael loved cooking for us when we spent time together and listening to one of his favorite singers Susan Boyle.
In his spare time, Michael was always learning new hobbies and skills. He was also an avid reader and would read Eckhart Tolle when he needed support and inspiration. Although Michael struggled, he was always the first to encourage someone and offer support or help in whatever way he could.
In his relationship with the people he loved, Michael was quick to let them know that he loved them and was proud of them. Not only did Michael have a huge heart, but he also had the best sense of humor and could get us all laughing until we had tears in our eyes.
Michael loved his family. A special place in his heart was reserved for his grandparents, "Ma" Nancy Hagan and "Dad" Dick Hagan, who welcomed him to heaven with open arms. Because of his long-standing battle with addiction, he could not live out his dream of having his own family. This is one of the many things that addiction steals from a person's life.
Although Michael died from his long-standing battle with addiction, I don't want his life to be solely defined by that because Michael was so much more. Having a substance use disorder is not something to be ashamed of or hidden. It's a disease that has to be brought into the light and fought by everyone. My heart goes out to the individuals and families going through this harrowing journey of supporting a loved one who struggles with a substance use disorder.
I believe Michael is at peace. But the void left by his incredible presence will never diminish.
Michael was loved by many people, and he will be missed very dearly. He is survived by his mother, Rae, his sister Kristen, his nephew KJ, and his niece Adriana whom he loved very much. Michael is also survived by many uncles, aunts, and cousins, too numerous to name.
There will be a celebration of life for Michael at the Portland Eagles on February 4th from 2-6 PM.
If you know someone struggling with addiction or have lost someone to it and are searching for help, Recovery Connections of Maine is a wonderful organization to seek help and support. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Recovery Connections of Maine.
Our Staff | Recovery Connections of Maine, LLC (recoveryconnectionsmaine.com)
105 Middle St. #3 Lewiston, Maine 04240
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Shone, please visit our floral store.