Michael George Perham

Born in Portland, Maine to Robert & Lori Perham (Waltz). Grew up in Standish, Me, attended Bonny Eagle & Greely High Schools.

Mike learned how to operate a backhoe at a very young age from his dad. Following in his father’s footsteps, he spent his career as a heavy equipment operator. Known as one of the best in the industry; whether excavator, backhoe or skid steer Mike was at home in any seat. He took pride in his work and loved to talk about how he could “make his machine dance”.

Mike met his wife Amy when they were 16 years old, but lost contact as many people do. They reconnected with each other after nearly 20 years on Christmas Day. Married in 2012, they began their decade together. Mike called Amy his One Love and Best Friend. Both had always said they were each other’s best Christmas present ever. They were Ying & Yang on many things, but the bond they shared was one that most couldn’t understand.

Stepping into a “readymade” family, Mike inherited 3 stepsons. While he loved them all, his closest connection was with Cole. Mike & Cole loved to do midnight runs to LL Bean together. Mike would take Cole snowplowing and to his jobsite's to show him the machines he was running. Cole was frequently a passenger on the motorcycle with Mike and fondly remembers when Mike let him control the throttle like he was the driver.

One of Mike’s favorite activities was riding his Harley Davidson Street-glide. He loved the freedom and the wind in his face. Mike’s favorite rides were on the Kangamangus and the Blue Ridge Mountains with his wife and father-in-law Gene. With his love of motorcycles and decades of riding experience, he taught his wife how to ride. If you were lucky enough to be at a stoplight or stop for coffee with them, you would hear him yell.. “1 down, 4 up” or “do you remember where the throttle is”. Patience wasn’t Mike’s strongest trait, but he had a lot when it came to showing Amy how to ride safe.

Mike enjoyed spending time and talking with family, especially with his dad. From lugging wood, to house projects to some father-son golfing, he cherished those moments. Talking shop with his dad and attending family functions together was always something he looked forward too. When it came to spiritual guidance, he looked to his mom. The prayer book she recently gave to him was his source of comfort especially in these last several weeks. Mike was also close with his sister Bobbi-Jo and his nieces & nephews.

In the months before his passing, Mike was blessed to reconnect with his daughter Sasha after many years apart. Throughout the years he would boast of how proud he was of her and his biggest regret was the lost time with her.

Mike is survived by his wife Amy of nearly 10 years, daughter Sasha Seal of Auburn, and stepsons Brian of South Portland, Isaiah & Cole of Yarmouth. Father Robert (Moe) Perham, Jr of Buxton his mother Lori Waltz of Roanoke, Va. Sister Bobbi-Jo Light of Saco and Sara Delmolino of Kansas City. Lastly but certainly not least is his American Bulldog Dally, quite possibly his favorite “person” and sidekick.

Mike is predeceased by his grandparents Robert & Pricilla Perham of Elliot and Donald & Avis Waltz of Standish and his father-in-law Gene Norris of Va.

A celebration of life and remembrance will be held and announced once the details have been finalized.

In lieu of flowers, take a moment to reach out to an old friend to reconnect; share laughs and reminisce.