Friend to all and stranger to none, the perfect Husband, world’s best Father, mostloving Grandfather, coolest Uncle, best friend to many, artist, entrepreneur, inventor, drafting master, steel whisperer, story teller of unlimited stories, unofficial tour guide to his family (or any lucky bystanders) at any airshow, plane museum, or historical sight he visited, music lover, fireworks aficionado, penny ante poker pro, Mike Ditka look alike, cucumber and pineapple hater, lover of life and laughter, and all round living Legend. Michael Charles Domine, 73, of Liberty, NC, entered the gates of Heaven, while surrounded by family and love, on October 18, 2025.
Mike was born in Tracy, MN. to Erwin and Dolores Domine on March 26, 1952. Among his many stories he would tell of his parents, Mike often shared memories about his childhood with great fondness. A favorite story of his mother was her being a pack leader for a local Boy Scout troop and of his father’s many adventures which included flying and hunting. Mike also admired his father’s choices to create his own path in life and to not follow the crowd. He applied this same belief and zest to his own life and how he chose to lead his family.
Mike graduated from Tracy High School in 1970. In school, he excelled in sports: football and track (he was very competitive by nature), and Art: winning several art and Industrial Arts awards. After high school, he attended Granite Falls Technical School and studied drafting which he would make his lifelong career.
Over the years, he worked with many companies in the trailer manufacturing industry and concluding his career owning his own company: MCD Manufacturing and Repair in Graham, NC. He was highly regarded in his field with many of his original designs contributing to ground-breaking impacts in the trailer industry.
Mike was also an inventor with his most notable invention being his patent pending product: Mir-Site which won the Silver medal at the Minnesota Inventors Congress.
Mike met the love of his life, Patrice (Patty), in the summer of 1969. Mike and Patty were classmates at Tracy High School. Mike and Patty lived on opposite sides of the tracks, therefore, did not take time to know each other and were not each other’s biggest “fan” (at first). They first crossed paths in a shared German class. During this class, Mike would (purposely) stick his feet out to block the aisle, forcing Patty to step over them while she had to pass to get to her desk. Of course, this did not bode well with Patty and just made her irritated and annoyed. Surprisingly though, Patty never confronted Mike with his immature shenanigans in high school. Eventually, the stars aligned, and God brought these two lovebirds together. They were married June 26th, 1971. As life went on, one of Mike’s favorite activities continued to be annoying Patty just to get a rise and reaction out of her! Mike and Patty shared 54 years of marriage and had many great adventures together.
Mike and Patty wasted no time starting a family of their own and their 4 children became the center of their universe. The days were filled with fun, laughter, life lessons, attending and coaching various sporting events. All 4 children have always looked up at Mike like an unbreakable superhero and will strive to keep the vast vault of Mike’s stories alive for future generations to enjoy.
Mike loved his children, but adored his 11 Grandchildren: Hayden, Taylor, Amanda, Jordyn, Darren Jr, Ella, Cherrish, Caleb, Logan, Joey, Noah. 8 Great-grandchildren: Blayden, Ella Grace, Jace, Scarlet, Torre, Hayden, Charleigh, and Rhett were the true apples of Mike’s eyes. Mike treasured any time he had with the Grandkids never failing to instill important life skills focused on storytelling, how to light fireworks, blow things up, think independently, and ways to push the envelope in any situation in order to get a smile or laugh, have fun, how to stand up for yourself, and to not take yourself seriously and to just enjoy life always.
Mike also had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs. Dogs naturally gravitated to him, and he showered them with love, attention, and lots of treats. Shadow, Norm, and Charlie were Mikes’s special companions throughout the years and were, no doubt, anxiously waiting for him, with tails wagging, as soon as Mike entered Heaven.
Throughout the years, Mike has made countless friends all over the world. Mike had many decades long friendships and Mike considered these best friends’ family to the degree that these family members were called “Aunt” and “Uncle” and their children were considered “cousins” to Mike and Patty’s children. The second generation has continued to remain close throughout the years and continue to consider each other as a family unit. Mike also never met a stranger, often striking up random conversations anywhere and everywhere. By the end of the conversation, he would have these strangers laughing and sharing their own stories.
Mike will always be remembered for his witty banter and loving way about him. Family and friends will always hear his words of “don’t cha know”, “you betcha” (in his native Minnesota dialect), all kids in the family know “rouse” means you better move out of his chair, there are other more colorful phrases he would share, but the most important the words he spoke were “love you” which will echo when fond memories of Mike cross their minds. We could not have asked for a better Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, or Friend and we will miss him every day. The way Mike lived his life is a testimony to his belief and faith in the Lord. Mike’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.
Special acknowledgement and appreciation is given to Mike’s superb Neuro-Oncology team at Duke University Hospital. Due to their knowledge, commitment, and compassion Mike was blessed with 3 years of continued life and memorymaking time with friends and family. The team’s efforts do not go unnoticed and will forever be appreciated by Mike’s family.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Dolores Domine and son, Corey Domine. He is survived by his wife Patrice Domine of Liberty, NC, 3 children: Michelle (Darren) Stover of Pasadena, MD, Nichole (Ben) Domine-Abercrombie of Liberty, NC, and Tiffany (Chad) Smith of Brookhaven, MS, and Allison Domine, Sandy Hook, MS. Loving siblings: William Domine, Anne Erickson, Roxanne Saldivar, and John (Joni) Domine. 11 Grandchildren, 8 Great grandchildren, many Nieces and Nephews, and innumerable close friends.
The funeral service was held on Thursday October 23, 2025 at Low’s Lutheran Church: 2136 NC-61 Liberty, NC. A reception was held in the Fellowship Hall following the service.
Memorial donations may be made to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Hospital: https:// tischbraintumorcenter.duke. edu/waystogive
