Colonel Michael Edward Bolin (ret) was born in Billings Montana on August 18, 1944 to Ed Bolin and Jean Bolin and died on July 25, 2011 at Ft. Harrison VA Hospital.
Mike spent his younger years in Butte and Absarokee.
He graduated from Absarokee High School in 1962. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Montana State College in 1967. During this time he also completed the ROTC program and upon graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. He graduated from Army helicopter training and was sent to Viet Nam from 1969-70. During his time of service he received several medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon discharge from active duty he joined the Montana National Guard and continued to fly helicopters. He returned to Montana State University and earned a Master Degree in mechanical and aeronautical engineering in 1971. After graduation, he went to work for Continental Oil at their refinery in Billings. In 1975 he became the Aviation Safety Officer and moved his family to Helena. He held several positions with the Guard, including a 2 1/2 year stint as Chief of Staff for the Guam National Guard. He retired in 1997 as a colonel with 28 years in the National Guard. He started teaching for Embry Riddle Aeronautical University a few years prior to retirement and then went full time after retirement. During his time with Embry Riddle he obtained his second Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Science. He was forced to retire in 2008 due to early symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia.
He married Lynn Ostenson in Columbus, Montana on December 18, 1965. They had two children Krystine born in 1969 and Greg born in 1971.
Mike was preceded in death by his Grandfather and Grandmother Chitwood, who raised him and his parents.
He is survived by his wife Lynn, daughter Krystine (Tom), son Greg, grand-daughter Elle, Sister Linda Alberta (Richard), and his dear friends Bill and Judy Edwards. He also survived by his aunt June Trees, several nieces and nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at the VA hospital at Ft. Harrison and Dr. Jay Larson and his staff, who took such good care of Mike.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Military graveside honors will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 29 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials may be sent to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd SW, Lilburn, Ga. 30047 or a charity or the donor’s choice. To offer condolences to the family please visit: www.aswfuneralhome.com
Annette Wilder Crawford says
We are very sorry to hear of you loss.
Love, Annette, Duane & Kids
Ardene Zion says
My sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your beloved Mike.
Barbara Barnes says
Lynn.. this was a long journey for you two and your family. You are receiving so many prayers.. be sure to lean back on them as often as you need to. Sending care your way…
Barbara Kem says
Lynn and family. While we were saddened to learn of Mike’s passing, it’s a blessing that he is no longer suffering. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this time.
Corky & Barb (Brensdal) Kem
Desta and Hal Aure says
Dear lynn,
We are so sorry to learn of Mike’s death. We had hoped to come tomorrow for the Military graveside honors, but are unable to get it all together. Keep us posted as to the Memorial Service. You, Krysti and Greg are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Desta and Hal
Don Erdmann says
A really fine man.
Don Scheidecker says
Such a vital person. My condolences for your loss. I think of Bill Burkhardt leading Morning Watch at camp with the Psalm 121 ‘I lift my eye up to the mountain from whence shall my help come…’ i’m always amazed by how the words we have heard so many times before, keep having new meaning an inspiration. My thoughts and prayer are with all of you. Don
George Olsen says
Lynn, Christy and Greg and families; I am so sorry to hear that Mike’s battle has come to an end. I always admired him and his service to his country and his family. He was a great friend. I have lots of great memories of our time together.
George Olsen
James B Reid says
Mike will be missed by all who knew him.
Janette (janie) Rouane Rosman says
Lynn, Mikes Journey has just begun on a pathway that was paved so we might enter by Jesus the Christ our Lord and Savior. Hugs and prayers, Janie.
Jerry & Janice Ostrem says
Lynn, Christi and Greg, our deepest sympathy goes out to you. Mike was a great person we had some great flights together. God bless you all.
Jim McKenzie says
Lynn
I remember the good times with you all at Hunter AAF in 1968. Saw Mike a couple times after flight school at Fort Rucker. I am sadden by your loss. He was one of the good guys.
Warm Regards,
Jim McKenzie
Phil LeConte says
I shared something with Greg yesterday, something I have known since January 5, 2000: Death does not end a son’s relationship with his father. On the contrary, it intensifies in ways that consistently surprise and confound me.
All those once-a-week, long distance phone calls become a daily conversation. In a sense, fathers move in with you – an arrangement that would have been unthinkable in life, turns out to be enriching. (At times I feel so much sacred love in the room that I sense a kind of appreciation that we spared each other its awkward expression in life.)
I won’t kid you, this relationship is not without complications. But if he was a good man, a father has the power to elevate a son’s soul.
In this, Greg is indeed fortunate. While I did not know Mike as long or as well as many of you, I did get to know him before his illness. He possessed a profoundly gentle spirit, one that I suspect we will be hearing from for years to come in the form of beautiful music.
Phillip LeConte
Austin, Texas
Robert Mickelson says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mike’s father Ed was my grandpa.
Sue Thompson says
Dear Lynn and Krystie: I’m so sorry for you loss. Spending a long weekend with Mike, let me realize what a lovely person you will be missing. I’m thankful for my short time with him.
All my love,
Sue
Tim Kennedy says
Greg, Lynn, Christy all in my prayers. He’s in a better place.
Tim
Wilma Westlund says
Lynn, Kristy & Greg:
You are in my prayers. I know God will keep His arms wrapped around you.
Love,
Wilma