STANDISH- Michael Allen Brilliant, age 25, passed away unexpectedly on September 30, 2025. He was born in Portland, Maine on August 4, 2000.
Mike graduated from Bonny Eagle High School in 2019. He worked with his dad doing masonry. He loved animals and volunteered at the MSSPA in Windham, ME, an organization that rehabilitates abused and neglected horses.
After graduating, he embarked on a number of solo backcountry backpacking trips across the US. He was an avid photographer and videographer, and used these trips to document the landscapes and details of his adventures. Among his travels, one of his favorites was Badlands National Park, South Dakota. He enjoyed the outdoors; traveling, hiking, fishing, camping and collecting different artifacts along the way. Along with spending his free time in nature, he loved to play basketball and practice archery. He was always interested in gadgets and gear, whether it was for traveling, photography, or his many other passions. He had a creative mind with making his own art and music. He liked taking photos of historic/rustic architecture, such as old buildings and churches, to capture their uniqueness and nostalgia. He loved video games, his favorite series being The Legend of Zelda, Pokémon and Minecraft. Much of his spirit was inspired by movies about adventure/fantasy, some of his favorites being Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Pirates of the Caribbean. He had a passion for learning new languages and cultural histories.
Mike is survived by his mother Denise M. Brilliant and father Shaun C. Brilliant of Standish, ME, brother Samuel N. Brilliant and wife Shannon (Curran) Brilliant of South Portland, ME and brother Shaun P. Brilliant of Dover, NH; paternal grandparents Dwight A. Brilliant and wife Billie Jean M. Brilliant of Millinocket, ME; maternal grandmother Susan J. Haughton and husband Kernel Haughton of Old Orchard Beach, ME. He is predeceased by his maternal grandfather Edgar A. Pura. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by his family.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday Oct. 19 from 11-1pm at Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22), Buxton. There will be a gathering at his family home afterwards. Mike will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in So. Portland near his grandfather at a later date.
Condolences can be made online at www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s memory to:
Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals, https://www.msspa.org/give-2/
279 River Rd., Windham, ME 04062 and/or
Stay; For Life, https://www.stayforlife.org/donate/
869 Bragdon Rd, Wells, 04090
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com