Michael Doyle

HARRISON — Michael Lawrence Doyle, 70, of Harrison passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, May 14, 2015.

Born on June 4, 1944, Mike grew up with his family in Rumford, R.I. Mike enjoyed fishing in nearby James V. Turner Reservoir with his brothers Tony and Buzz, picking on his sisters, Jan and Angie, and shooting targets and muskrats when opportunity allowed.

In 1965, Mike met Janet Gabriel. Later that same year, Mike was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served in the motor pool in Phu Lam during the Vietnam War. After earning sharpshooter status, a Bronze Star, and a Good Conduct Medal, Mike was honorably discharged in 1967.

Upon his return to the United States, Mike found his way back to Rumford, R.I. and wed Janet on Sept. 21, 1968. They bought the home next door to the house Mike grew up in, where his family still lived. While working as an industrial welder at CI Hayes, where he stayed for 30 years, Mike became the proud father of three daughters, Christine Mary, Kathryn Ann and Eileen Ellen.

Surrounded by females at home, Mike often escaped to Seekonk Speedway, where he was a mechanic and fabricator for some of the racecars. The guys he met at the racetrack became very close friends and some remained Mike’s lifelong buddies. This likely explains his passion for NASCAR throughout the rest of his life. Away from the track Mike also enjoyed time at Harbor Light Marina, where he was very good friends with the owners and took great pride in the lobster boat that he helped to build. These adventures became the topics of some of the many stories and corny jokes told over and over just to make others smile and laugh. Mike could tell a story about anyone he’d ever met and his family referred to him as the Town Crier because he couldn’t keep a story (secret) to himself.

Mike and Janet eventually divorced, but Mike kept his daughters in his close care and even housed and cared for his ex-mother-in-law, Mary Gabriel, until she passed. Eventually, his daughters moved on with their own lives and for this Mike was very proud.

In 2005, Mike sold his home and moved to Harrison to be closer to his eldest daughter and her husband. He worked part-time at LL Bean’s flagship store and truly enjoyed the Maine lifestyle; large property lot, beautiful scenery, fishing and continuing to root on the Boston Red Sox, who finally won a World Series in his lifetime.

Mike had several pets throughout his life and up until his final months truly enjoyed the companionship of his two dogs, Shannon and Shamus.

Mike is predeceased by his father, Louis William Doyle; his mother, Edith Catherine Bucklin; his brother, Leonard “Buzz” Bucklin Doyle; and his sister, Angela Roberta Doyle.

He is survived by his sister, Janis Maria Brosnan; his brother, Anthony Francis Doyle; his ex-wife, Janet Vera Gabriel Doyle; his daughters Christine Mary Butkiewicz, Kathryn Ann Labrecque and Eileen Ellen Doyle; and his nieces and nephews.

A private memorial will be held in Rhode Island by family and friends at a later date. Mike will be interred in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, R.I. Mike would appreciate you doing something kind to help a veteran in his memory.