Michael "Mike" Gagarine

Michael "Mike" A. Gagarine, 65, loving son, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on Wednesday morning, June 4, 2014, at his home near Funkstown, Maryland.

Born on April 1, 1949, in Washington D.C., he was the son of the late Alexis and Tatiana Gagarine.

Mike was a veteran of the United States Army.

He graduated from Escola Americana High School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Upon graduation, Mike attended the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where he received both Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Civil Engineering.

For the past twenty-four years, Mike operated the Good Spirits Tree Farm.

He loved the outdoors, his work, hiking, and camping.

Mike was an avid animal lover and over the years rescued many Rottweilers and homeless cats, providing a safe and loving home for his pets.

He is survived by his sister, Eleana Shipman and her husband, Bill, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; his two nephews, Michael and Matthew Shipman; and his extended family, Kathy McClintock; and Carolyn and Tom Castle.  He is also survived by his four Rottweilers, Elvis, Dro, Brandie, and Rocky; and his three cats, Wolf, Cleo, and Rufus.  Mike’s family is seeking loving homes for these pets.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at the Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, Maryland 21713.  Father Dennis E. Buck will officiate. Final resting-place ceremonies will follow at Boonsboro Cemetery.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cumberland Valley Dog Rescue; please write “Dog Rescue” in the memo line and mail to:  17747 Virginia Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740.