Michael Mark Hakkinen

GARDNER - Michael Mark Hakkinen, 64, died peacefully in his residence on September 11, 2020. Michael was born in Gardner, Massachusetts on November 4, 1955 to Minnie and William Hakkinen.  He was the youngest of five sons, and experienced both the support as well as the challenges of four older brothers. Michael graduated from Gardner High School and continued his education at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.  His love for music was manifest as a guitarist, performing in several New England groups and bands. He expressed that the contacts, friendships and relationships he made as a musician were memorable throughout his life and invaluable in his later years.  He later held various positions in marketing and sales, but music was his career.  Michael enjoyed nature, often taking walks on wooded trails or drives on rural New England roads.  He also appreciated both the exasperation and exhilaration of trimming, tacking and jibing, and the resulting comfortable silence of sailing while he owned a sailboat on Cape Cod. He was most at peace while sailing quietly on a moonlit night. Michael was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his brothers, William of Ledyard CT and his spouse Virginia; Joseph of Bastrop TX and his spouse Suzanne, Paul of Gardner, MA and John of Ledyard, CT and his spouse Celeste.  Michael has several nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. Michael was an informed enthusiast of current events and was always prepared to discuss world issues.  He most enjoyed discussions that wavered between science and science fiction. There are no calling hours.  A private graveside service is yet to be determined. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Mack Family Funeral Home 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.