LEWISTON — N. Michael Charest, 67, of Blake Street Towers, Lewiston, died peacefully on March 3, 2011 at Central Maine Medical Center intensive care unit from complications of pneumonia, with family at his side. He was born July 17, 1943, the first son of five, of the late Normand and Bertha Libby Charest. He grew up in Lewiston and was educated in local schools, graduating from Lewiston High School in 1961. Mike led a full and varied life of many paths. He worked for a time for the Lewiston Sun-Journal, and at the State House during Gov. Brennan’s administration, and at various times was co-owner of Gingerbread House Antiques and Auctions in Manchester, coowner of Slate’s Restaurant in Hallowell, and co-owner of a barber shop in Fryeburg. Living in Texas for most of his later years, he managed an upscale deli for Central Market, of Kroger, Colo., in Dallas. He was an avid reader and an accomplished oil and watercolor artist, but his greatest pleasure was cooking and baking.

Living most recently at Blake Street Towers in Lewiston, “Mikey” quickly found his niche doing what he most enjoyed, planning meals and cooking for residents and events, and will be remembered for always having something new and fresh out of the oven in hand for someone to try. He will be honored at Blake Street Towers by having the new kitchen and dining facilities named after him.

Michael was predeceased by his father, in 1995, and by his brother Barney Charest in 2007. He is survived by his mother, Bertha Libby, whose 89th birthday fell on the day of his death, and by his sister Joanne Ducharme and husband Paul; his sister Monique “Nicci” Leamon and husband Jim; his sister Dianne Dubois and husband Jerry; brothers Leonard Charest, Daniel Charest and longtime companion Sue Cheuka, Ron Charest, his sister-in-law, Louise Charest, and the many nieces, nephews, and great- and great-great-nieces and nephews that made up his immediate and extended family.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the physicians and nursing staff of CMMC’s intensive care unit, whose kindness, compassion and dedication were a gift to us all in the saddest and most trying of times. Condolences may be expressed online at www.albertburpee. com. A graveside committal and family memorial service will take place in the spring.