Submitted by his Wife
Mike was born on May 7‚ 1952 in New Jersey. Spending time in upstate New York as a young man‚ he fell in love with the mountains. In his twenties‚ he began to volunteer as a firefighter. His day job was climbing telephone poles for AT&T. When Mike moved to California in 1976‚ he met and married his wife Lila. This is where he joined the Bullion Volunteer Fire Department in Nevada County. At Bullion he worked his way up to become Assistant Chief and Training Officer.
They wanted to live in a smaller community higher up in altitude‚ so they moved to Sierra City‚ California. A small town of 225 people at 4‚500′ elevation‚ Mike was living his dream. Every summer and winter‚ their four grandchildren would spend vacations in Sierra City. They will always remember hiking‚ fishing and swimming in the river with Grandpa. At the end of a long day‚ when all the work was done he would gather everyone around the backyard campfire.
When he joined the Sierra City Volunteer Fire Department‚ he took the job of Assistant Chief and Training Officer. The Volunteer Firefighters later took a vote to make Mike the new Fire Chief. Mike worked tirelessly for new trucks and equipment. His dream was to build a new firehouse‚ and he worked 19 years to make it happen. Two weeks after his death the new fire house was completed and dedicated in his honor.
Mike was an active member of Lions Club International. He was the guy behind the BBQ grill‚ raising money for local projects. He received the Melvin Jones Award‚ which is awarded to members for their humanitarian service. He received the award in honor of his community service and leadership. His service didn’t end at the firehouse door or the club meeting. It extended to anyone who needed help. Every August‚ Mike volunteered to be a counselor at the Firefighters Burn Camp at Lake Tahoe. He would leave everything and head off to camp. At 6’7” Mike was the tallest guy at camp‚ but he was in charge of the littlest guys. He always said that he came home with more than he gave.
Mike was born to be a volunteer firefighter. Hearing the siren echoing through the canyon‚ racing out the door and down the driveway‚ leaving his family behind‚ his turnouts in his truck‚ ‘Chief 79‚ responding.’
The rescue call came over the radio in the evening; a fisherman was injured in a river canyon. They worked into the early morning. After a successful rescue Mike collapsed and died at the scene. Surrounded by the Volunteer Firefighters and EMTs of Sierra County.
Dear Helen, Randy and Boys, We wanted to express our condolences to your entire family regarding the tragic loss of your Dad. We never met him but have heard wonderful things about him from Carol. If you are anything like him then we know how great he was. Love, Clyde and Marilyn
– clyde and marilyn weinmanLook at that face. It’s like he just walked up to me and said “hi”. Too many tears to write much now; can’t believe one year will have passed soon.
– Ruthie RodriguezI wanted to thank you for walking into our lives and loving us as your own. You have always been there for the boys and they will and do remember everything you have done for them. The little things you did for them they remember as big things. You where a big part of our lives and we miss you everyday. Love your daughter, Helen
– HelenGone but not forgotten and always missed. I was thinking of him the other day and this link came in an email.
– Andrew HernandezI see his sweet face and it’s like he just walked up and said “hi”. I can’t believe it will be one year ago that he left us. Love and miss you so much Mike.
– Ruthie RodriguezAll I can do is cry today knowing you are gone. We miss you so much and wish that everyday could be different. Firecamp was last week and I know the staff and children that have been in your heart every year you attend miss you too. I know one day we will see you again. Love, Helen
– HelenTo our family and friends: I wanted you to know that Mike’s name will be added to the California Firefighters Memorial Wall in Sacramento. Helen
– HelenMichael is a hero in many ways, beyond his actions as a volunteer firefighter for many years. When he died that night, he was with me and took a part of me that will never come back, but what he left me for my remaining life far exceeds any loss. Rest well.
– Mike TerwilligerMike, You far exceed what can be said of your dedication and service to Sierra County. There is no memorial that could be bestowed upon you that would honor you enough for the individual you really were.
– Don Meredith