Michael “Mike” “Perch”Arthur Thebarge, 63, was called to his Lord and Savior on Saturday November 12, 2016. He had a tragic fall from his tree while hunting, doing just what he loved.

Mike was born to Norman J. and Rose (Thibault) Thebarge in Skowhegan on January 16, 1953.

He graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1971. Mike worked in sales for most of his life, but also worked at Canadian Chains and Cascade Woolen Mill. For the past several years, he was a volunteer driver for KVCAP, lending a compassionate ear to his passengers, and sharing the loving word of Christ.

Mike loved watching his grandchildren’s activities and teaching them to hunt and fish. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and caught a state record rainbow trout in Feb. 2009. He would go with a friend or by himself, a tree stand or a boat was where he loved to spend his time.

Mike married the love of his life Linda on July 30, 1994. They have spent the years since they were married as devoted Christians and members of New Hope Evangelical Free Church in Solon. Mike was an elder and member of many committees at the church, and was instrumental in the planning and construction of the New Hope Women’s Shelter. Being a witness for God was most important to Mike, he wanted all to be blessed with eternal life.

Mike was predeceased by his father Norman Thebarge.

He is survived by his loving wife Linda of Skowhegan; mother Rose Thebarge of Skowhegan; daughter Jennifer Frederick and husband Daniel of Skowhegan; son Jerrod Thebarge and wife Andrea of Canaan; his stepchildren who also called him dad; Tammy Therrien and husband Raymond of Skowhegan; Cory McDougal and wife Amy of Solon; Darrin McDougal and wife Cheri of Canaan; grandchildren Samantha, Grace, Clarke, Sheridan, Charisma, and Alex and wife Rebecca; great grandchildren Delilah and Elexis; his father in-law Hugh Bickford of Skowhegan. He is also survived by his brothers; David Thebarge of Skowhegan; John Thebarge of Sanford; James Thebarge and wife Janet of Mesa, AZ; George Thebarge and wife Joyce of Falmouth; and nieces Erica, Gina, and Alyssa; sister in-law Brenda Pelletier and husband Mark of Hartland and their family.

Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday November 19, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the New Hope Evangelical Free Church, 111 S. Main St., Solon, Maine. A committal service will be held later in the day at 3 p.m. on Saturday November 19, 2016 at the Fairview Cemetery in Canaan, Maine. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. Donation may be made in Mike’s memory to the New Hope Evangelical Free Church, P.O. Box 208, Solon, Maine 04979