Michael C Tate

March 9, 1944 - February 2, 2017

Michael C. Tate, 72, of Bar Harbor, ME passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 2, 2017 in a Cape Coral, FL hospice facility, after a short illness surrounded by family. He was born March 9, 1944 in Bernard, ME, the son of the late Carleton and Jessie (Mitchell)Tate. He was also predeceased by a brother, Ralph Tate.

Michael served in the Navy as a young man, but was anxious to get back home to Maine and his family and friends and make his life on Mt Desert Island. He had a strong, independent personality, which served him well during his 53 years as a lobster fisherman out of the Cranberry Isles and Southwest Harbor. He made many friends in towns along the coast all the way to Nantucket as he traveled for ground fishing, scalloping, shrimping and urchin dragging. It was important to Michael lend a hand to others when they needed help when he could. He felt that the fishing community would only benefit, when they all worked together. He truly enjoyed seeing the younger fisherman coming into the business and becoming prosperous from their hard work.

Michael enjoyed spending winters at “fish camp” in Saint James City FL, but due to his fast moving illness he was unable to get back to Maine to say goodbye to the many friends he made over the years, other family members, and also many of his new friends in Florida. But he did hear and see all their good wishes and prayers on line and on the phone and felt blessed by that.

He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 43 years, Sharon Tate: his loving children, Leslie Mark and husband Nick of York, ME , Stephanie Walsh and husband Richard of Benton ME, Camron Hall of North Dakota, Matthew Tate of Phoenix AZ, Deanna Hoffmann of Atlanta GA, and Holly Tate Brown and husband Michael of Saint James City FL. Clarence Tate of Virginia; a sister, Elizabeth Allen and husband David of Mt. Desert ME; and his dear friend, Tom Hanson of Bar Harbor, ME. Michael was also the proud grandfather and uncle to eight wonderful grandchildren and six nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be scheduled for the spring on Mt. Desert Island, Maine

Memorial Contributions in memory of Michael C. Tate are suggested to The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME for cancer research.

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

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