Micheal "Mike" Carter, 55, born in Syracuse, NY and life-long resident of Baldwinsville, NY, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021 after a courageous fight with cancer.

A 1985 graduate of CW Baker High School, Mike formed many friendships with both classmates and teachers that would flourish and expand throughout his lifetime. He had countless stories of school and some specific heartfelt memories of classmates that truly touched his heart. Some of those classmates came back to thank Mike for being there for them. Those meant the world to him, as he was only being a "protector" and it warmed his heart to know he made a difference for a friend, when to Mike, it was a "no brainer", as he would say.

After graduation and returning from serving with the US ARMY 509 ^th (Pathfinder/Airborne) Division, Mike returned home where he met Alicia Carter, married (1991-2013), and had 2 "amazing" boys, Thomas and Andrew. Mike was so very proud of both of his boys and they were always his number one priority.  As important as his boys were to him, their friends held just as much of a bond with Mike, as he considered them his own as well, and would protect them the same. He had the opportunity to visit with a few of them a few months ago, and couldn't stop talking about how proud he was, and how happy it made him that they would stop for a visit.  Among these friends, emerged Isabella (Bella) Sudol, to whom Thomas would marry July 2020, and Kate Ackner, the joy currently in Andrew's life. Mike had a special place in his heart for both of them.

A career as a tractor trailer driver was Mike's pat, as he continued on from NTTS to what would be an adventure of a lifetime. For Mike, but also for all of his friends and family that would follow Mike's stories/encounters he posted on facebook, or, lucky enough to receive one of his many calls on the road. He spoke to, and taught many about things like the "Eisenhower Interstate System", Pilot's, GPS's, and "actual" sizes of bridges. The latter was such a frustration when related to the Onondaga Lake Pkwy bridge, that Mike pursued the news stations to look into other options, which resulted in a story with Mike which aired on the local news.  Mike was last employed, and very happy with Ryder Systems, where he shared a mutual respect with both his boss and office manager, as well as coworkers alike, who all recognized and appreciated Mike's exceptional work ethic.

In 2015, Mike reconnected with Barbara (Holt) Carter, at their 30 ^th high school reunion. It didn't take long for them to realize the strong love they had for each other, and they married August 4, 2018 in front of a few close family/friends on the beach at Sandy Pond at Sunset. Mike said "my happy place with the love of my life". Though their time together was short, the love they shared will last a lifetime.

Mike enjoyed riding his dream bike – his blue Triumph Rocket III motorcycle with Barbara, and spending as much time as possible at the family camp at Sandy Pond, where Mike grew up his whole life. He enjoyed fishing, catching the "occasional" frog or snapping turtle, hanging on the beach, experiencing amazing sunsets, and visiting with family and the many friends he had. Mike had commented that last summer (2020), was the best summer he had spent at camp in a while, because he was with the woman he loved, and had the opportunity to spend quality time with his brother and parents, as well as some close friends, reminiscing and creating new memories. Including the fortunate week his sisters joined for the 4 ^th of July week. Good times, good friendships, and great memories.

Mike would never let an opportunity slip away to help someone or call or text just to check up on them. Always ready to share his knowledge, humor, sarcasm, encouragement, but most of all, his big heart. He will never be forgotten, as he has touched so many lives there are so many stories and memories to be shared.

Micheal Carter, you lived your life Your Way – Born Free – Happy – and going out Fighting!! You Did GREAT! Now you can rest in peace!   Loyl

Micheal is survived by his wife, Barbara Carter; his two sons, Thomas (Isabella) Carter of Mountain Top, PA and Andrew Carter of Watertown, NY and their mother, Alicia Carter; Barbara's daughter's Jessica Barrett of Kansas City, MO and Nicole Barrett of Liverpool, NY; parents, Thomas and Sally Carter of Bolivia, NC; siblings, Marie Carter Lux (John) of Apex, NC, Martin Carter of Baldwinsville, NY and Missy Carter Shantal (Scott) of Radcliff, KY; (Predeceased by father-in-law Everett Holt); mother-in-law, Katherine Holt of Baldwinsville, NY; brothers-in-laws, Robert (Kimberly) Holt of Wendell, NC and Ronald (Kelly) Holt of Cato, NY; sister-in-law, Brenda (Holt) Barrett (Brad) of Palm Coast, FL;  nieces & nephews, Carter Lux, Emma Lux, Grace Lux, Madison Collins, Scottie Shantal and Dear Friends, Alan Ibbitson, Joe Rodriguez, Ann Jones, BethAnn Brady, Rob Kidd, and Kate Ackner.

The family has planned a celebration of Micheal's life on Saturday, August 14, 2021 12:00-4:00 pm at Sandy Island Beach State Park's Pavilion.  Please let the family know if you can attend by visiting the EVENTS page on FB at https://fb.me/e/28SkctGhy or contact a member of Micheal's family.

In lieu of flowers, Mike would have appreciated any donation in his name to go (by check) to: Sandy Pond Sportsman's Association – 3201 County Rt 15, Pulaski, NY 13142   Towards: "Channel Maintenance"

Please sign the guest book for Mike to express your condolences to his wife and family.