Phippsburg - Ralph “Mike” O. Burden, Jr. of Phippsburg, Maine passed away at the age of 81 on Monday January 16, 2017.  He passed quickly fighting fast moving cancer.

He was born on May 23, 1935 to Mary Elizabeth (Lowell) and Ralph O. Burden Sr. in Bath Maine.  He is predeceased in death by his parents and his loving wife Theresa Burden.

He is survived by his sister Barbara Courtney (Bill) of Melbourne, Florida as well as his large blended family. Also survived by his children Ralph “Skip” Burden (Cindy), Sharon Burden-Boucher (Glen), Bonnie Burden-Trader, Debbie Carpenter (Scott), Danny Fitch (Pam), Doug Fitch (Gail) and Jason Burden (Jennifer).  His grandchildren Joshua Burden (Jacquie), Benjamin Burden (Missy), Taylor Boucher, Scott Carpenter (Jill), Danielle Risher (Micah), Matt Fitch, Ryan Fitch, Vanessa Fitch-Waters (Matt), Tyler Burden, Olivia Burden and Abbie Mae Burden.  Also survived by many great children and several nieces and nephews.

Mike graduated from Morse High School in 1953.  He was very involved in his community. He served on the Bath City Council, Chaired the Parks and Recreation Commission and coached many sports teams over his years.  He was a high school basketball referee for 25 years retiring in 1994.  He made many friends both young and old over the years through his community involvements.

He was employed by Congress Sportswear for over 30 years. He then went to work for BIW retiring in August 2003. 

He enjoyed spending hours watching and discussing his beloved Red Sox and Patriots.  He enjoyed watching all the different sports that his children, grandchildren and his great grandchildren played.  In his quiet time, he enjoyed building and painting many of his wooden figures and birdhouses.

He enjoyed spending time with his blended families attending family functions.  He will always be remembered for his kind heart, kind words and for all he met and his gift of storytelling.

He was a member of the Small Point Baptist Church, Babe Ruth Baseball, Elks and Odd Fellows.

Services will be held at Desmond Funeral Home at 638 High Street in Bath on Thursday, January 19, 2017.  The viewing is from 11am to 12pm followed by the funeral at 12pm with Pastor Ari Keller.  A reception will follow immediately at the Small Point Baptist Church located at 1754 Main Road, Phippsburg.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Mike Burden Morse High Athletic Scholarship Fund.  Please send donations in care of John Darling at 115 Meadowbrook Road, Phippsburg, Me. 04562.

Mike was loved, cherished and adored by his family and friends.  He will be missed by many.

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com