Michael Lewis Ryan, familiarly known to family and friends as “The Silver Fox” for his beautiful head of hair, passed away Monday, January 30. Mike fought a good fight against pancreatic cancer.
Mike was born October 23, 1945 to Lewis and Rosemary (Rose) Ryan in Sulphur Springs, Texas. He married the love of his life, Linda Hilger, in 1966. The city boy met the country girl and he learned to love roping, riding, harvesting grain and how to raise horses, cows, pigs and chickens, enjoying every minute of it.
Mike owned and operated Montana Data Processing in Helena for over 25 years. In addition, he co-conducted “Silver Fox Estate Sales” with his wife and “right hand” woman, Bonnie Young.
In Retirement, he enjoyed spending winters at his Mesa, Arizona home playing as much golf as he could.
At home in Montana he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and four-wheeling trips in the mountains with a special group of guys. Often times he could be found in his wood working shop or restoring his 1941 Chevy… Mike loved the car shows and brought home many trophies.
Traveling was on the bucket list and Mike was always ready to tell stories about the 35 countries he had visited. This last journey has filled his bucket.
His most recent love was his Great Grand Daughter, Shyanne. He was able to be present for her first birthday in December. It was her smile that brightened his final days.
Family members missing him are his wife, Linda, of almost 51 years, daughter Paula; granddaughter, Tawni (Alex) Zuniga; great granddaughter Shyanne and step great grandsons Damien and Xzazier; brother, Steven Ryan; special nephew, Mathew Schmidt and family and niece Burma Naylor.
He was so grateful for so many friends here and across the country who supported (and continue to do so) him and his family with prayers and love.
He left a message for all of us written on December 13, 2016, “Although I am with you in spirit only today, rest assured I will be the first to greet you on the other side. Love to each and every one of you. Michael.”
Heartfelt thanks of gratitude to the nurses and staff at Frontier Hospice. The compassionate care of Mike and his family is a huge blessing delivered with love.
A memorial service celebrating Mike’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6th at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street in Helena. A cake reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike’s name are suggested to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street, Helena, MT 59601, Frontier Hospice, 800 Front Street, Helena, MT 59601 or Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research, 1111 Stewart Ave, Bethpage, NY 11714.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday February 6, 2017
St. Pauls United Methodist
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the memorial service
Monday February 6, 2017
St. Paul's United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday February 6, 2017
St. Pauls United Methodist
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the memorial service
Monday February 6, 2017
St. Paul's United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
512 Logan Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Mary Gail says
Dear Linda, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days and months ahead. We know Mike is at Peace now and his suffering is finally over. You & Mike were a special treasure in my life and I always looked forward to working the Estate Sales with both of you and your fantastic CREW. Love & Peace to you and your family. Mary Gail
Bob Trerise says
Dear LInda, We were deeply saddened yesterday to learn of Mike’s passing. We knew it was coming, and we know it was time, yet it’s still very hard to let go of someone like Mike. I will never forget all the wonderful times, from childhood to present, that I had with him. He was a good person, full of love and kindness, and he had one of the best giggles ever. Mike was my best friend growing up, and I can’t think of anything I would have changed about him. We laughed and played and enjoyed each other through grade school, junior high, high school, and even as roommates during our first quarter of college. And you and he were always a joy to see when we came home to visit. In Mike’s first e-mail to me several years ago, he ended it “Your Friend, Mike”. It seems insignificant, but to me it meant so much and I will always remember it. He was my friend and always will be. And, you are our friend and always will be. We will be thinking of you, praying for you, and hope you will stay in touch. All our love, Bob and Clare
Mike Naegele says
Linda: I cannot imagine what you have lost..my experience has always been you and Mike. If there is anything that I can do in this time and as time goes on..do not hesitate to call on me . God Bless
Donna LaRose says
My dear Linda and wonderful friend my heart hurts for you, You both hold a very special place in my heart. You can call me anytime if you need something. God Bless you and the family. Love and Hugs.
Donna
Jan Ryckman says
My dear friend, Linda – the loss of Mike is a huge void to so many of us and my heart is so sadden for you and your soulmate. Mike was a special guy and you were a special couple. I so thank you for letting me sit with Mike on his last Tuesday. Our 2-hour non-stop visit was unforgettable and I will always treasure it. You are a special friend to me and I will always be here for you during your difficult road ahead. Blessings!
Karen Munson says
Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and family. I remember what a great guy Mike was to EVERYONE. We had some good times as student body officers (I won’t mention leaving school a few times — and if we got caught we could always say we were on student council business — it worked!!) He will be missed by SO many. I’m a long ways away, but if there is something I can do, holler.
Janet L Stiles says
Linda, You have been in my prayers often over the last two days. It’s hard to think of you without your silver-haired Mike beside you. He was such a vital part of our class, always that welcoming smile. May you be blessed with comfort in the coming days. Much love to you and all the family.
Mary Kay Bennett says
I always loved working at Valley Farms with Mike & would look forward to your coming in to see us.
Mike and your garden.. a treasure to behold.
Memories
Your Friend Forever and that’s a long time. ?
Karen Koepp Rowan says
Linda,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was such a great guy. My mom, Dorothy thought the world of him. No doubt they are up there telling stories. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We are in Nevada for a few months,
Karen
Bridger veterinary hospital says
Dear Linda and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. We
always enjoyed seeing you both at the clinic and at the estate sales. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith, Shar, Steve and your friends at Bridger
Yvonne & Tex Pate says
Linda, We are just so sorry! We knew this would be the outcome, but we also know it will be difficult. All of your friends and neighbors in Yuma also extend their condolences. Mike was always loved by everyone he met. His golfing buddies sure have missed him. Our prayers and warmest thoughts are with you.
Colleen Murphy says
Linda and Paula. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family .
Margaret Belisle says
Linda, My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a gift Mike had in you. Your support and love helped him through the final days.
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow. — Robert Louis Stevenson
Joanie Werner Mathis says
Linda, I am sorry to hear that your dear Mike has died. i know that words cant lessen the pain, but the loving support of family and friends help us to breathe. Remember thar God is not done with you yet, because you are still here. You will make it! _ day by day, my friend. Did you know that I still teach GriefShare at the funeral home-starti g this next session on February 27. It is a powerful Christ centered course. Would love to have you come. Many prayers and blessings to you. Joanie Werner Mathis
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Linda,
I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s death. I have such fond memories of years ago when you and I worked together, and our families’ lives touched. You and Mike have always been so hospitable, generous, fun-loving, and kind. Blessings to you and your families during this difficult time.
Sandy Bradford says
Linda and family – Bill and I wish to express our heartfelt condolences with the passing of Mike. May it bring comfort, encouragement and support through the prayers of your many friends. Sandy Bradford
Bob Morgan says
Linda, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s illness and passing. My thoughts are with you. Hope you are sustained by the many great memories you two have shared.
Glen Cuchine says
Linda and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Mike is no doubt already organizing our classmates there for some sort of reunion as we mourn his passing. I’m not sure Mike ever knew a stranger; seems like everyone was a friend he just hadn’t yet met. So many wonderful memories of Mike and of course you always at his side. All the best to you, Linda.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Linda and family!
Crystal and Dave Shors says
Dear Linda, we’re thinking of you and your family. What a partnership you and Mike had– long and strong, an inspirational love. Sending love and prayers.
Gary Wilson says
Linda,
Much time and distance have separate us from those innocent, carefree days of high school. Mike was my best friend in high school. I will always remember and cherish those good times with him. I wish I could have made the 50th union but, as you know, I was dealing then with my son’s battle with cancer. You and Mike are in my heart and prayers.
Connie Ward Beatty says
I am so sorry to hear of Mikes passing. Unfortunately we all knew this would be the final goodbye to our dear friend Mike. You two are such a permanent fixture in so many people’s lives and he will be missed beyond measure. You are a very strong person and I’m sure that you and Mike had many conversations about continuing on without him by your side. I hope, if you did, that they will sustain you on your next journey in life without him by your side. If there is a way, I’m sure Mike will find a way to help you along with any struggles you may encounter. My heart goes out to you and Paula and your beautiful grand babies. You are very blessed to have them help you get through the next step in your life. I wish you well Linda and I hope you know how very loved Mike was and that we will share your loss along with you.
Barney & Judy Brandt says
Dear Linda, we are so sad for your loss. Mike was a wonderful person. We loved getting to know both of you on our trip together to the Holy Land. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Dick Hausken says
Linda – I send my condolences to you and your family. I was on the the Colts Peewee baseball team that Mike and Bob Trerise coached in about 1961-65. Mike was probably still in high school and gave his time to coach a bunch of 9-11 year old boys, and set a great example. Whenever I saw him l;ater, he was always friendly had a nice thing to say, which meant a lot. I hadn’t seen him in years, but was glad to hear he enjoyed life.
Thomas Juhl says
Linda prayers to you and the Family on the passing of Mike……
Matt Ulberg says
Linda – I am sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, and will always think of you both together, as a dynamic and positive influence in so many people’s lives. Mike will be missed, and yet I will certainly find my self looking for him just around the next corner when I am in Helena. Prayers for you and your family.