Milas “Mike’ Jay Hills was born May 2, 1946, in Siren, Wisconsin, the second child of 4 to Mike and Reva Hills.
Mike and his family moved to White Sulphur Springs, Montana, at an early age.
Shortly after high school graduation, Mike joined the Air Force, completing his service as a C-130 flight crew chief.
He attended two years of college at the then Eastern Montana College in Billings. Upon deciding on a career in aeronautics, Mike transferred to Oklahoma State University where he and his future wife, Ann, became acquainted.
Mike and Ann married in December of 1972, graduated in May of 1973 and moved back to White Sulphur Springs to job hunt.
In the fall of 1973, Mike was hired by Bechtel at the Colstrip power plant construction site as a mechanical engineer where he worked for the next three years.
With a transfer to Pennsylvania Mike and Ann moved to another Bechtel project for about two years.
From there a move to the tri-cities area of Washington state occurred, where their first son was born.
In 1980 as Colstrip units three and four began construction, Mike obtained employment with Montana Power Company, so another move was made.
A second son, Doug, was born during this time, completing the family.
In Colstrip, Mike continued to work in construction, eventually finishing up his career as a boiler, mechanical engineer with Talen, retiring in the summer of 2008.
Mike had a wide range of hobbies beginning with radio control vehicles and planes. He and his wife earned their private pilot licenses, eventually owning several planes.
During retirement, Mike continued with his flying, working on various home projects and taking care of his yard.
Mike passed away at home on October 9. 2024, after fighting cancer. He is survived by his wife, two sons and their families of three grandchildren, three siblings, in-laws and nieces and a nephew.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Friday October 18, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 PM
Friday October 18, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Gary and Boni Eernisse says
Ann and Family,
We are saddened to here of Mike’s passing. We both enjoyed working with him at MPC/PPL. Often we would pass him on his way to the Colstrip Airport. We would wave and sometimes stop and visit with him. Gary enjoyed having coffee with him from time to time. We send our heart felt condolences.
Bob and Diane Henriksen says
Ann and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. You’re left behind but not alone. May you find peace and comfort in treasured memories and knowing that others care. May God sustain you in your hour of need and grant you inner peace. With deepest sympathy.
Cindy and Ed Hatten says
Wishing you comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart. Prayers for you and the boys Ann.
Lonii and Buggs Hartman says
Ann and family. We are so very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. He was such a nice man. I really enjoyed visiting him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
monty erickson says
I worked with and for Mike for a number of years always respected and liked him,he was a good man God be with him RIP
Amber and Gary Ramsey says
Ann and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. May you keep your memories close to your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Tami and Shane Paul says
Ann and family we are very sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort for all of you and this time.
Shelly Holum says
Ann and Family: Sending prayers to you at this difficult time. Cherish all the memories
George & Julie says
Ann,
We will miss Mike. We have been neighbors for at least 38 years! He was always so friendly and George looked forward to his visits. He was one of the good guys. Our hearts go out to you and the families he left behind.
We really thought he had this beat, and am guessing you did too.
May your many memories keep you strong. 💙
Judith says
Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this most difficult time ..
Joyce Camper says
I’m so sorry to hear about Mike. I first got to know Mike when I was reassigned from Bechtel to MPC Construction.
Mike was a true gentleman, an engineer’s engineer with a dry sense of humor.
Elaine Egeland says
Ann, Jeff and Doug, I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a very nice guy and will be missed.
Doug & Debbie Skiles says
Ann, Jeff, Doug and families,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Mike. He was a great man and we both enjoyed knowing him. Loved his sense of humor. Thinking of all of you. Love, Hugs and Prayers.
Nikki BarrettMelin says
Ann,
My thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time. I pray you find comfort in your loved ones. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry & Joanne Schrupp says
Ann & family – We were saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a great guy. We remember him taking the kids up in his plane back in the day and him flying the radio-controlled planes. Praying for you all that you have peace and treasure happy memories.
Willowa Heppner Ankeny French says
Ann and family i am very sorry to hear office’s passing. Hugs and prayers.
Naomi Rolandson says
Ann and family, so sorry for your loss. Praying for you.
Dennis & Louise Davenport says
We are so sorry to hear this Ann. Prayers for comfort and peace for all of you.
Vickie and Dave Gunderson says
Ann and family, we’re so sorry about Mike’s passing. Will sure miss seeing him drive by the house in his little white truck. Hugs and blessings to you💔
Mary Ann Whitehead says
Ann our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs & love to you all.
Lu Shomate says
Ann and family – I am so sorry to hear of this loss. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stacey Craig says
Ann and family, we are sorry for your loss. Prayers for this difficult time. May the memories stay in your heart.
Linda Miars says
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our deepest condolences.
Bob & Linda Miars
Ed & Shirley Bukoskey says
Ann, Jeff and Doug, so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. The old 3& 4 gang are getting older and slowly leaving for a better place. We had a great bunch of people for 3 & 4 construction, many fond memories and friends. Mike will be missed by many. Our thoughts, prayer, and memories will be with you and our family.
Donna McCulloch says
Ann, Jeff and Doug. I am so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. May your memories of happier times sustain you through this time of grief.
Jon Boucher says
Ann and sons, just heard today about Mike’s passing. He was a great guy, and always very helpful when I started at PPL as an engineer. We sat together until Mike retired in 2008. Lots of stories were shared. I enjoyed my time with Mike, and appreciated all his experience he graciously shared with me. So very sorry that the big C got another one way too soon. Prayers for your family at this difficult time. May Mike rest in peace.
Monte & Barb Wilke says
Ann and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. God’s Blessings during this difficult time and the days ahead.
Robbie Hensleigh says
My sincere sympathy Ann. I am so sorry for your loss of Mike. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.