Celebration of Life Held For Michael LeMaitre

Anchorage, Alaska — The family of Michael LeMaitre held a celebration of life Friday night, more than a week after LeMaitre's July 4th disappearance during the Mount Marathon race. Since then, family and volunteers, including members of the Seward Volunteer Fire Department, have searched the mountain, even after Alaska State Troopers called their search efforts off last weekend.

"I don't want to give up on my dad. And that's why I'm in Seward, that's why I'm looking for him, out with whatever search crew is available," said MaryAnne LeMaitre at her father's celebration of life.

LeMaitre's family says they wanted the event to reflect his outgoing personality and enthusiasm for life. Curits Lynn, LeMaitre's son-in-law, described him as a "bucket-list" kind of guy.

"Mike was a very outgoing positive person so he wouldn't want us moping around and having a black tie, all-in-black type of event," says Lynn.

Speakers shared numerous stories about LeMaitre's passion for adventure (he was planning on sky diving for his next birthday), his love for his family, and a special gift he had for making people instantly feel like they knew him well.

"We had many boat stories, Idita-ski stories, camping stories, hiking stories. When you were with Michael, something exciting was always happening," said his wife Peggy.