Charles Michael (Mike) Mulcare passed away Jan. 27.

Mike was born July 6, 1940, in Prairie City to Paul (Cliff) and Mary (Dzierzanowski) Mulcare.

When Mike was born, he and his parents were living at the Edward Hines Logging Camp on Camp Creek. Soon after, the family moved to Seneca, and later to Canyon City. Mike graduated from Grant Union High School in 1958, and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was shipped to boot camp very quickly. Mike served for four years aboard the USS Piedmont.

Mike loved his family more than anything in the world. In July of 1962, he met the love of his life, Norma (Grider), in Seneca. The happy couple married June 1, 1963.

Mike lived a rich life surrounded by his family. He worked the majority of his life as a logger with the Edward Hines Lumber Company. When Hines closed its doors, Mike found solace working for his friends, John and Doris Patton, and continued hauling logs until his retirement in 2002. The last 10 years of Mike’s career were complicated by the fact of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in January of 1992.

After his retirement, Mike was completely dedicated to spending time with his wife, his two sons, and his many grandchildren. In the summer, you would find him camping all over with his friends and family.

In his last years, Mike’s condition was beginning to catch up with him. Anyone who knew Mike, knew that still did not stop him. He never complained about the hand he was dealt, even in his last days. He fought harder to be around to witness his family grow to include members, even great-grandchildren.

Mike will be missed by many, old and young. He was a guide for many and stood as a testament to never give up, even in the face of immense adversity.

Mike is survived by the love of his life for the past 56 years, his wife, Norma (Grider); two sons, Brian (Marianne) and Kevin (Elsie); nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and countless nieces and nephews and children of the heart, including his longtime friend, Wayne Duncan, who has given so much to help Mike over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Mary Jean.

The family requests a donation, in lieu of flowers, be made to the Harney County Meals-on-Wheels or the Harney County Hospice. Donations can be mailed to LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, Oregon 97720. LaFollette’s Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

A celebration of life, including a picnic, will be held at a later date.