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Michael Hillier Obituary
He was a giant of a man and had the biggest heart.
Words cannot express what he meant to us all.
He is survived by all who knew him.
A sunrise funeral service will be held at 5:30am on July 19th on the beach behind 4200 Sandy Bay Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23455
"Let's go diving!!!!"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Hillier
Terry Hegwood
January 1, 2022
Just saw this obit...so sorry that smile is gone from our lives. Have known him since he started above a boat sales store....always glad to see each other over the years...I have many Mikey memories....see ya on the surface buddy.
Sylvain Beaudin "Bo"
September 23, 2021
Big was the nicest man I have ever come across in my lifetime. I enjoyed the many years of being around him, his attitude was contagious.
John Steffey
August 10, 2021
Mike Before Lynnhaven you enticed me I to working at Divers World in Silverspring, Md. All of a sudden I was into the dive industry. Loved every minute. We share many a good times and dives together. You always had a smile and a big laugh
at whatever was going on.
Fair winds my friend.
Chris Steffey
August 10, 2021
Mike was a good friend of my husband at Divers World in Silver Spring,Md. I was being checked out at Haymarket Quarry in 1981 and Mike ended up being my instructor. Since there was ice on the dock Mike did not make us takes our masks off underwater. Thanks Mike, I will never forget that or the hot chocolate we poured down wetsuits to warm up. Wishing you the best dives ever.
James tereskerz
July 23, 2021
I loved your dad so much, I met him when I walked into the lynnhaven dive shop on day to talk about possibly learning how to dive..he was always nice to me and helped me get certified and get all the gear..scubapro all the way with jet fins and framless mask and all..I always looked up to him and he will be dearly missed! Love you big Mike, see you on the other side!
Lon Fricano
July 20, 2021
Rest easy my friend. The class of '66 is gathering around you and your family with our thoughts and prayers. Peace brother.
Rick Trout
July 19, 2021
There's a dolphin nicknamed Rascal freeze branded #11 who is proudly escorting Mike Hillier to the best heavenly dive destination ever in exchange for the rescue that Mike pulled off for Rascal in 1989.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1989/02/18/divers-round-up-stranded-dolphin-in-va/b2340bee-b5e7-42bc-91e9-43d256f35888/
Mike rescued many of God's creatures/humans before and after Rascal. Mike even rescued himself in an 18 year battle with cancer. Mike, may Rascal escort you where the Lord can Bless and Keep YOU in the Peace you've earned. Thanks for such a big heart and spreading unencumbered happiness!
Willy Creekmore
July 18, 2021
Big Mike rest in eternal peace without pain.Your life style impacted so many with your special way of friendship. Until we meet again brother For one more dive in heaven .
Hugs for such a special family that you mentored to travel life's highways.. that so loved you.. .
Celia Broyles
July 18, 2021
My deepest condolences to all the family and friends of Big, he was truly a very special man with a love for God, his family and many friends
I met Big Mike when he married my brother and his first wife in the Chesapeake Bay, that was many moons ago. I thank God for the man we all knew and loved. He was the best friend my brother ever had and he will be so missed
He was strong, I never have known anyone who kept such a positive outlook on life as he knew each day was a gift from our Heavenly Father
Rest gentle soul in God´s House
Much love to all
Willie Gavin
July 18, 2021
A good man and a big loss
Ernie D'Antonio
July 18, 2021
I only knew Mike for a short time at Small Shores.. and I wish I would have had more opportunity to get to know him... It was an honor to be present at his recent anniversary... What an amazing tribute to a great man by all folks who have known him. He gave us all a wonderful example of humility, courage, love and perseverance.
Amy
July 18, 2021
Words cannot describe Bigs generosity. Thanks to his wonderful family for sharing him with all he knew. You are all such a blessing and we are sad for your loss.
Godspeed Big, wish you many a fair and following sea.
Stanley D Levinson & Family
July 18, 2021
We went Diving my good FRIEND, see you on the other side. Save me a seat on the Boat.......
Thomas Keiningham Jr
July 18, 2021
Big Mile was truly a good and kind man. Willing to give of himself to help others and be an example to us all. I will miss him and his posts.
Jim Ibanez
July 18, 2021
Mike was new to BS and we shared a home room in the Jr. High. We also shared a mat in the wrestling area of our gym. Furthermore we shared a wrestling match to determine who was the best "heavyweight" wrestler at that time. It wasn´t even close as I explored Basketball for the first time in my life. The rest is history. Mike unwittingly gave me a new path to follow that later provided me with a good education and career. We also shared a mutually fine friendship that lasted many years. Thanks Mike. See you when the time comes. Jim (Dudley Do Right) Ibanez
Karen Sain
July 17, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Big Mike's passing. The entire Hillier family is in my thoughts and prayers. May Big Mike rest in peace, and along with Bradlee watch over you all.
Randy Browning
July 17, 2021
Rest well my friend. We had some great experiences together. Business and Friendship two things that rarely survive the test of time. I will miss our decompression stops! Randy
Trueman & Nike Seamans
July 17, 2021
Mike ! You will be missed! Thx for being a great neighbor, and dive captain! We will always remember your entire boat welcoming the Sundowner on our first charter on the ocean out of Lynnhaven. We´ll see you on the other side pond. God bless you and your family.([email protected])
Steve Merritt
July 16, 2021
We have lost a huge figure in Virginia Beach diving
A true larger than life man
Prayers to Lindsey and all the family
G
July 16, 2021
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
Barbara Catharine
July 15, 2021
My heart is aching again since I learned that Wonderful Mike has left this planet. Such a huge loss for all of us. I am so very sorry.
I met him through my daughter Devon Tarbox, who lost her battle with colon cancer on 6/3/2017. He was a wonderful, caring, inspiring, hopeful and very generous person. Devon loved him. I am sure that she was in Heaven, eager to welcome Mike Home yesterday. I send hugs to his entire family- this is a such huge loss, but he will never be far from you. Be sure that his spirit will always be with you. His love with remain with you forever, until we are all reunited.
Nick Sharpe
July 15, 2021
There's to many good memories of Big Mike for me to share, but I told him there was one moment I would always remember him by. He hired me and a group of other downtrodden, lost, and ragtag gents to help him build out his boat at his house and I'm pretty sure he hired us because he considered us his pirate crew. Every morning he came out of the house at 5:30AM, drinking coffee, huge smile on his face, and telling us what a beautiful day it was and how great it was going to be. One morning he came down drinking his cup of coffee in a mug with "CANCER SUCKS!!!" across it and a t-shirt that said "Life is Good!". I'll never forget him yelling at me
"HEY NICKY!!"
"Yes, Mike!"
"Life is good." while pointing to his shirt.
"I agree with you Mike!"
"Also, CANCER SUCKS!!!"
"Mike, I 1000% agree with you"
"Okay good. You know I love ya Nicky!"
"I love you too Mike!".
I laughed and told him that exchange was the embodiment of who he was and how I would always remember him. He spent every moment he could talking, mentoring, coaching, and helping all of us move on to do bigger, better things, and get out of our ruts. Being able to call Big Mike a true friend is one of the biggest honors of my life and I will never forget how much he helped and changed my life. Mike wasn't just a good man, he was a legend. The world is a little darker today, but it will forever shine brighter with his impact and legacy. RIP Big Mike! Keep a spot open for me on the crew!
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