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Michael Bilson Obituary
Michael grew up in Hampton and is an alumnus of Phillips Exeter Academy. He attended Colby College and graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor's degree in Latin and economics, magna cum laude.
A lifelong resident of New Hampshire, Michael devoted himself to a career at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. He lived a life committed to serving others at various Consumer Affairs groups statewide. Michael worked for many years at the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs, Bureau of Behavioral Health and Department of Health and Human Services, as a program planner. He was a member of the New Hampshire State Behavioral Health Advisory Council, Consumer Council, the Project Advisory Board for the Mental Health Consumer Survey Project, and many additional advisory committees. Michael's passion was research, and he provided extensive informational support to the state's network of Peer Support Agencies and the many individuals throughout the state who were struggling with mental health challenges. In this work, he inspired others to live as he did, to overcome the difficulties of life by seeking to live more purposefully and with great compassion. Michael persevered through trials with humility, grace, a quiet strength and a commitment to peace and justice his whole life. Even his hobbies reflected these interests. He read voraciously, researching and supporting causes such as honoring survivors of the Holocaust victims of World War II, defending the rights of mental health patients and fighting for suicide prevention. He lived a quiet, selfless life that touched many other lives and whose loss is deeply felt by his family and those he served statewide.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Waters Funeral Home, 50 South Main St., Concord. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Waters Funeral Home.
Burial will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the Longmeadow Cemetery in Auburn.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bilson
Frances Schenck
November 21, 2013
Rest in peace my friend. I still smile when I think of you. You were always so generous and always thanked me for sending you cards on your birthdays.I will never forget you dear friend.I know things weren't always easy, but it always helped to keep trying.God bless.
Frances from Idaho
Mike Custer
November 20, 2013
To Michael family and friends,
I am so sorry to hear about Michael passing away, I pray God will help all on in this trying time. Michael and me were good friends and talked a lot on line. He will be missed by many but never will be forgotten. I love you my friend and thank you for being my friend. We will meet again one day God willing. God bless you and yours Michael. May you rest in peace, love you my brother and like I said we will meet again in the big meeting in the sky. Your friend and brother forever, Mike Custer
Kevin Chin
November 18, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear about his passing. I only just learned this recently and then I discovered this website. He was one of my best friends when I knew him during our teen years. I remember his great sense of humor and sharp wit. He was one of the most intelligent people I knew and he was also a good friend. May God bless you Michael and welcome you with open arms.
November 9, 2013
Michael inspired many of us in the Never Alone Email Group. He will be greatly missed. Condolences to Michael's family for this great loss.
Beth Stryker
November 8, 2013
Michael will be missed by many.
Prayers for his family and friends who all loved him.Blessings...
Susan Bernard
November 8, 2013
Deepest sympathy upon the passing of a dear and gentle man! Michael blessed many in his short life, may he be blessed forever as he continues to bless all of us!
Don Gray
October 30, 2013
It was an honor to have served so many years on the NH Behavioral Health Advisory Council with Michael. His contributions were always thoughtful and precise. We have lost a good man. I'm grateful for having known him.
Michael Skinner
October 30, 2013
Michael, You will be missed by so many. I was honored to know you - you were a good man with a good heart...a passionate advocate for so many and always there to offer help and resources. I will miss you my friend. All my best to Michael's family and friends.
candace cole-mccrea
October 29, 2013
mike was a calming and strong light and role model for my son. he was patient and helpful. I never once heard him complain, no matter how frustrating the situation. gone too soon...missed forever.
Blossoms for Michael
Lee U
October 28, 2013
Quiet bird has flown,
sudden, smiling, far above.
His song still heard here.
Mavrone Alt
October 28, 2013
October 28, 2013
All of us at On The Road to Recovery will remember Michael for all he had done for the Consumer Council and for the Peer Centers. His quiet strength will be an example for us to emulate.
May he rest in peace,
Warren
On The Road to Recovery
Betty Lou Bilson
October 28, 2013
I will always love you Micheal.
Joy Cadarette
October 28, 2013
Michael was such a wonderful person. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Chuck Gilbertson
October 28, 2013
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We will miss his quiet humor. Our condolences to all who have lost a friend.
There were so many different sides to Mike...See Mike with Santa and the family!
Gloria
October 27, 2013
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Danielle Newton
October 27, 2013
You were the best father I could of asked for. You always made sure mom, josh, and myself had everything we needed. You were man enough to fill someone else's shoes and stick around even after mom died and for that I'll always thank you.
Mavrone Alt
October 27, 2013
Rest in peace Uncle Mike, may God comfort your family and bring His peace as they go through this very difficult time.
October 27, 2013
you lived a good life <3
The Entire Staff of Waters Funeral Home
October 27, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
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