Michael David Rushford

Michael was born in Newport, Rhode Island, on Dec. 31, 1972, the son of Roy and Karen Rushford. He excelled in school sports, especially football, wrestling and pole vaulting. He won several all-state awards, set many records and was inducted to the Chariho High School sports hall of fame for track and field and wrestling. After high school, he married and had a daughter. He worked as a carpenter and later ran his own contracting company. Mike lived in Rhode Island until 2006, when he decided to take a walk to find another home. Looking at a map, he decided the geography of the Adirondacks was the best place to be. His journey ended in Saranac Lake where he met Sarah the following year. They enjoyed many years of camping, traveling, living off-grid and homesteading before welcoming their daughter Erica. Mike was incredibly proud of both his daughters.

Michael is survived by his companion of 14 years, Sarah Humphreys, and their daughter Erica Rushford of Vermontville; his eldest daughter Danielle Rushford of New York and her children Jameson and Maxine Martinko; sister Deanne Ducette of Richmond, Rhode Island; niece Leah Ducette of Richmnd, Rhode Island; nephew Todd Ducette of Newport, Rhode Island; and parents Roy and Karen Rushford of Richmond, Rhode Island.

Mike was preceded in death by his uncle Ralph DeCamp, his companion of 10 years, Joanne, and his ex-wife Pam.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Saranac Lake. A graveside funeral service will be held at Union Cemetery in Vermontville on Sunday, June 6 at 1 p.m., followed by a reception at his home nearby. Family and friends can view photos, share their memories, and sign the online guestbook at www.fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com