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
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