More detail on this person: Independent Record (Helena, MT) - Thursday, July 28, 2011
Col. Michael Edward Bolin (ret.) was born in Billings on Aug. 18, 1944, to Ed Bolin and Jean Bolin
and died on July 25, 2011, at Fort 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 Vietnam
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's 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 on Dec. 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, granddaughter 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 Fort 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 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 Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047; or a charity or the
donor's choice. To offer condolences to the family please visit: www.aswfuneralhome.com
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 08/31/2024
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association