Michael S. Tilley

1951 - 2024

Michael S Tilley

June 30, 1951 - October 18, 2024

After overcoming numerous health challenges, Mike Tilley succumbed to leukemia on October 18, 2024, at his home in White Bird, Idaho.

Mike was born on June 30, 1951, in Kellogg, Idaho, the son of Wayne and Betty (Ashdown) Tilley. The family moved shortly after to the Heyburn area, then to Twin Falls. He and older brother, Ron, enjoyed their childhood playing baseball, hunting and fishing every chance they could. Those Tilley boys struck fear into every fish in the water. As Ron says, "No chub was safe when Mike was around"!

Mike graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1969. He worked at Southside Bean Warehouse, and Challenge Creamery. Mike and his brother, Ron, both began their careers with Union Pacific Railroad in 1977 in the Building & Bridges unit, then Mike moved into Maintenance of Way before retiring as a Track Welder in 2001. Mike and Brenda (Lickley) Tilson were married June 10, 1995, in Kimberly, Idaho. Following his retirement from Union Pacific, the couple made the decision to "save on fuel" and moved to White Bird, Idaho, in 2007. Many happy memories were made with their beloved dogs and cats at their "Patio Gulch" property, and in the White Bird and Riggins communities.

Mike's son, Cody, and grandsons, Darrius and Bentley, were the light of his life sharing so many happy times over the years. Mike loved spending time with his many nephews and nieces and watching their families grow. Mike never met a stranger and could be counted on to offer fishing tips, and his custom-made jigs with other fishermen on the Salmon and Clearwater rivers. He also had a sweet tooth and "never met a dessert he didn't like".

Survivors include his wife, Brenda; mother, Betty Byce; brother, Ron Tilley; son, Cody Tilson; and grandsons, Darrius and Bentley Tilson. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Tilley; and sister-in-law, Pam Tilley.

The family would like to thank the Riggins Ambulance crew for all their help and support, and the Syringa Hospice staff for their care during the last few days of Mike's life.

A memorial celebration will be held in Jerome, Idaho, at the Snake River Elks Lodge on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family to blackmerfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Syringa Hospice, 607 W. Main St., Grangeville, ID 83530, or the Riggins Ambulance, P.O. Box 249, Riggins, ID 83549.