Michael Robert Hilton was born in Reno, Nevada on January 12, 1960. He grew up in Roseville surrounded by many friends and family. He was a sports fanatic and played/watched many teams. He grew to love the Giants and the Warriors. He moved to Humboldt in 1992 with the love of his life, Linda.

Humboldt County felt like an instant match for Mike. The natural beauty of this area felt like home, and he wanted to spend the rest of his life right here. He finished Humboldt State University with a Bachelors in Science majoring in fisheries, proudly holding up his son at graduation. He retired from the Humboldt Bay Woodley Island Marina in 2007. He was infinitely proud of the intelligence and resolve of his wife, Linda, and children Paul and Sarah. He always encouraged us to stand up for what is right. He knew it would fall upon the next generation to save the world, and this greatly influenced his children. He was overjoyed that Paul and Sarah were both earning their degrees from his alma mater, HSU. He strived to teach us all about healthy living, reducing our footprint and respecting the environment. He would have wanted fair, quality healthcare for everyone on the North Coast.

His young nieces and nephews remember him as the “forest ranger man.” He loved to travel and have adventures, especially anywhere with Linda. He also loved to walk his dog daily, leaving behind for us a very dependent, active dog. Clam Beach dog walkers will miss him, as we do not know your names, just your dogs.

He leaves behind his loving family: wife Linda, son Paul and daughter Sarah. He will be missed by all and especially his siblings: Heidi, Jac, Joe, and nieces and nephews:  Stephanie, Joshua, Mathew, Ashley, David, Hannah, Camryn, and Lindsay. He was preceded in death by his brother Tim and sister Leslye.

Mike was like a comet, through how he burned so bright and reached so many people to create one beautiful universal experience, and sometimes appearing once in a lifetime. Thank you for letting us into your flight path and brightening all of our skies. We will remember you as an exceptional man who was dedicated to bringing laughter and kindness into the world. We will think of you living on in the Humboldt birds, redwoods and rivers. Wherever you are, we know that you are laughing, running and playing ball.

There are numerous special lifelong friends that will miss you. Your animals Zina and Cisco too. Thanks for all the memories and love. See you on the other side.

There will be a private family celebration of his life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please take a walk with your dog or plant a tree.

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Mike Hilton’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.