BOLIN MICHAEL E

COL Michael E. Bolin was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 07/25/2011 at the age of 66.9
Helena, MT
Flight Classes 68-512 and 68-20
Date of Birth 08/18/1944
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 116 AHC in 69-70
This information was provided by Barry Geller, SSN search Feb 2012

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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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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