By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
The celebration of life for Michael (Mick) Hill attracted a standing room-only crowd of his friends, his fellow volunteers, working acquaintances and many people whose lives he touched in various ways.
The service led by Pastor Bill Mellinger of the Crestline Baptist Church was held in the San Moritz Lodge, the only building in town considered big enough to hold the large number of residents and family members who attended. Because of the popularity of the new playground, the meadow and Lake Gregory – which Mick was credited with helping to save from the state who wanted to drain it – it was almost impossible to find parking for the event. Pastor Bill said Mick would have found that encouraging as he wanted the town to thrive.
Mick’s three surviving brothers, including Roy, spoke of some childhood memories and experiences with him, including previous airplane crashes and poor landings. They spoke of their recent conversations with him since his operation a couple months ago, and how very healthy he felt since it, and how Mick was looking forward to new challenges in making the world around him better.
Jody Glaviano, who had owned the bowling center and had worked with Mick on the Crestline Chamber of Commerce board of directors, said that Mick was never interested in being popular; he wanted to do what he thought was right. He never shied away from a challenge; he believed in showing up and doing what was he thought was right. He would battle with the county all the way, when necessary. He was stubborn, but generous. He donated one kidney without ever a thought of any return from it and rarely spoke of it. When something needed to be done, he would do it himself if no one else stepped up. He wanted to live a life that mattered and to leave the community better than he found it.
Crestline Chamber President Louis Boehle sent condolences and said Mick served the community with a whole heart, without selfish motivations or for selfish gains. It was because of Mick and watching him strive for the best for the town, that Louis decided to get involved. Mick believed in the community and wanted to make Crestline a better Crestline by volunteering in organizations that made a difference.
Mike Johnstone, the general manager of Goodwin’s Market, spoke about his childhood years and how the Hill and the Goodwin families were friends and how Martin was their Little League coach, about mohawk haircuts and some of the stunts they pulled during the streaking era inside the old market and how it was not appreciated by his family members. He remembered that, after he returned to Crestline after school and working up north, Mick recruited him to come to a chamber meeting in 2011, where Mike instantly was placed on the board. Along with Jody and Mick, they worked together for Crestline. He remembered how much tenacity Mick had for Crestline, how he went toe-to-toe with the state official who wanted to lower or drain Lake Gregory, and look at our beautiful lake now! Mick worked hard and saved it. They served on the chamber board 10 years together, but “Mick’s legacy will live on through those he influenced and through us. I am grateful for all he did for his community.”
Tanya Michel, a very good friend of Micks for decades, through many events, Thanksgiving dinners and fundraisers, sent a statement read by Pastor Bill expressing her friendship with Mick. “Although we fought like sister and brother, and visited when we were sick, he was on a mission to help people. He’d help me with events because behind the scenes he wanted to be the biggest donor, but without recognition, and he never missed one of my fundraisers.” He’d say, “All I want to do is make this town a better place, and I was in awe of what he could do and did. He was a giver and not in it to be a hero, he just wanted to be the number one giver – but without public recognition.”
Pastor Bill spoke about the traffic accident that changed Mick’s life, when he worried a mother and child, who had been injured in the accident, might die. It was then he began reading the “red words” in the Bible, and he changed around his life. He spoke with Father Morro who gave Mick space to think and question. Those questions changed Mick’s life and made him into an example of how to live a purposeful life. He proved through his actions that others mattered and he set forth to make Crestline the best it could be.
Mary-Justine Lanyon expressed her gratitude for Mick having bought the local newspaper, the Alpenhorn News. “He had the wisdom to hire Mike Harris as the publisher and Mike asked me to be editor. Together we created the Alpine Mountaineer, the good local community newspaper Mick envisioned. The newspaper gave Mick a vehicle to express his passion for the community of Crestline as well as his frustrations with the county.”
The memorial service ended with some more public comments and the singing by the attendees of “Amazing Grace” and a prayer by Pastor Bill. The attendees enjoyed food was provided by local businesses.
The hundreds of attendees then stayed around the tables in the lodge, sharing stories of Mick Hill’s life – how he gave them a severe discount when they couldn’t pay other estimates to get work done, paying for a shut-off notice or handing a person $100 who needed it for expenses.
Mick Hill was a person who made a difference in many lives.
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