PORTLAND — Michael J. Bennett, 58, of Portland, died unexpectedly of natural causes Monday, Nov. 14, 2011 at his residence.

He was born in Portland on April 25, 1953, a son of George A. Jr. and Mary V. Houston Bennett. Michael was a 1971 graduate of Cheverus High School.

Michael worked for several years as a carpenter and contractor in and around Bridgton and in the greater Portland area. For the past 12 years he worked as an instrument technician at Idexx Laboratories.

Michael was a lifelong musician who played the guitar and piano. He enjoyed canoeing, sailing and kayaking in the lakes and ocean around Southern Maine. He spent much of his time outdoors, especially in his garden and during his annual two week camping trip at Acadia National Park. Michael was a skilled photographer. He was known for his love of the Patriots and Bruins, cooking for his family and enjoying a well-crafted brew. His greatest passion in recent years was his two beloved granddaughters, Elizabeth Rose, 4, and Emma Lily, 5 months. Michael relished his role as a grandfather.

Survivors include his mother, with whom he lived, a son, Luke M. Bennett and his partner Kristy Smith of Windham; his sister, Andrea B. Dickson and her husband Robert of Harvard, Mass.; his brother, Peter B. Bennett and his wife Jane of Gorham; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Rose Bennett and Emma Lily Bennett; nephews, Timothy J. Giggey Jr. and Thomas G. Bennett; and a niece, Marissa R. Dickson.

Visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18th at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at 9:15 a.m. Saturday at the South Portland Chapel, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1342 Congress Street, Portland. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at: www.ctcrawford.com

Those desiring may make contributions in Michael’s memory to: Friends of Acadia National Park, P.O. Box 45, Bar Harbor, ME 04609 or www.friendsofacadia.org