Michael "Mike" William Maki, of Claremont, NH, age 65, passed away on May 20 at DHMC's Jack Byrne Center due to complications of lung cancer.

Mike is survived by Sue Maki, his wife of 44 years, their son Matthew Maki and daughter-in-law Martha of Claremont, NH; 3 beloved grandchildren, Michelle, Coranna, and Markus; his sisters Susan Minckler of Marquette, MI and Kristina Maki of Concord, NH, brother Eric Maki and sister-in-law Patricia of Wentworth, NH, and his dear nieces and nephews. His parents and brother Adam Maki predeceased him.

Mike was born August 18, 1955 in Ridgefield, CT, the oldest of Kirsten and Arvi Maki's five children. In 1964,  his family moved to Claremont where he attended Stevens High before joining the US Navy in 1973. Initially stationed in Guam, Mike worked to relocate Vietnamese war refugees, an experience that instilled his lifelong commitment to helping others. Mike then met and married Sue while he was stationed on the USS Dixon in San Diego. After leaving the Navy, he attended college while working full time in the electronics industry. He had a successful career providing technical support for software companies in NH.

Mike was quiet, generous, and peace-loving. We all enjoyed his intelligence and wit. He enjoyed time spent in woods and at beaches, cycling, Frisbee golf, the Internet, reading, listening to music and the Red Sox games. He travelled occasionally to Mexico or the Caribbean for his beach fix, but was always happy to return home to family and friends.

Mike was a committed volunteer at Arrowhead Recreation Area in Claremont, NH where he enjoyed giving back to his community.

A Celebration of Life for Mike will be held at Arrowhead from 11AM-3PM Sunday, July 25.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a relief organization such as NH Food Bank, Upper Valley Haven, Doctors Without Borders or the Jack Byrne Center at DHMC.