Michael B. Cahill
September 9, 1974 ~ September 2, 2015
Michael Brendan Cahill, 40, passed away unexpectedly September 2, 2015 at his home. He was the beloved husband of Amy Ambler Cahill, with whom he shared eight years of marriage.
Michael was born on September 9, 1974 in Danvers, the son of Donna (Spakas) Cahill of Danvers and the late Charles Cahill. He was a graduate of St. John’s Prep and the University of Maine in Orono, where he earned a degree in Forestry.
He subsequently began a career with the US Forest Service fighting fires all over the country. He was last stationed in Big Piney, WY where he served as Engine Captain for the Big Piney Ranger District.
Michael’s work dictated he live in areas such as Northern Maine, Montana & Wyoming. While these places were far from his place of birth, they were the only areas vast enough to house his larger than life personality. Michael exuded that classic Irish charm that put everyone at ease and always made him the life of the party. This trait fostered a love of traveling and making friends far and wide. Michael was also an accomplished musician, an aggressive hockey player & coach, an avid scuba diver and a lover all things food & drink.
Michael never missed an opportunity to talk about his love for his wife, Amy. He was quick to admit he “married up” and truly adored her. He also had great love for his daughter, Rylie Turner, and deep admiration for her mother, Diana Turner Mitchell.
In addition to his wife, mother, and daughter, Michael is also survived by a great number of family and friends including his sisters Jennifer Churchill and her husband Adam of Danvers and Suzanne Cahill and her husband Matthew Churchill of Wenham. He also leaves several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as a line of friends that has no end. His spirit will be missed by all.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 9AM in Saint Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery, Sylvan St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Donation's in Mike's name may be made to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, 2049 Airport Way, Boise ID 83705 or the USA Hockey Foundation, 1775 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.
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Gone but will never be forgotten: Such a fun loving and compassionate young man, Love and healing prayers to Amy and Mikes Family.
My sincerest condolences go out to all of Mikes family and friends. Mike and I graduated HS together. Mike was a good man with a big heart, who was friendly to everyone and had many friends. I will miss Mike very much.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike’s family. Such a tragic loss. We graduated high school together and he was such a sweet and kind man to everyone. He will be missed very much <3 Rest in Peace my friend, you will never be forgotten.
Mike, you have left a positive, indelible mark on so many. Thanks for the memories. Our deepest sympathies to Amy, Mike’s MA family, and all of Mike’s numerous, diverse friends.
Valerie and Mike McCadden
Remembering you tonight Mikey! You will be missed.
Mike was an intelligent man who loved his Job…
Always stopped to say hi and talk to anyone…
He was also a Great Musician…
You’ll be missed Mike, see you later buddy…
RIP
So many memories I’ve shared with Mike for many many years. The trips to Salisbury Beach are memories I’ll always treasure.
just in total shock many great memories and smartass moments gone but will never be forgotten
God Bless you Mike. Prayers for you and your family.
Lit a candle in memory of Michael B. Cahill
Mike you will be missed but never forgotten
My condolences to the family– and especially to Mike’s wonderful wife Amy. I met this fantastic couple while vacationing in Belize several years ago and have always remembered how fun and compatible they were. It was so refreshing to meet a couple that truly loved being together and doing a lot of the same things. My heart goes out to Amy in being able to cope with this great loss. Ron Berglund, Mpls., MN
I don’t even know what to say. It’s been so long since I’ve seen your face!
I am so saddened by the news. When I think of my childhood years, you are there in so many memories. Rest easy Mike. My thoughts are with your family.
I was saddened to hear the news of Mike’s passing. It has been many years since we had spoken but I still remember how he welcomed us Canadians into the West Glacier family while we were down there working. He was funny, kind, warm and caring. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Just know that he was amazing person who made a real difference in this world
I unfortunately never met Michael but all my love to Amy. If you are in St. Louis please look me up.
Lit a candle in memory of Michael B. Cahill
We will light a drip torch for you Mike and your family and will keep you all in our thoughts.
Acadia National Park Fire staff
Mike, I didn’t know you well, but always thought of you a solid fireman, a hard worker, and a genuinely nice guy on the many a day we were part of a larger crew either putting fire on the landscape or herding it out of harms way. Rest in peace!
I am in shock to hear of Michael’s passing. I have fond and special memories of him that will live on forever. God has gained a Great man and a Great Fireman, although way too soon in his young life. Prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family.
God Speed, MIchael RIP
Our dearest dearest Mikey – there aren’t enough words to do justice to your being. You are so loved and so missed. We love you and just can’t believe your’e gone – thank you thank you thank you for recognizing the strength in me as a ‘mountain’ woman and for just always treating me as an equal – I am forever grateful for this gift – we had some amazing hikes, dinners, parties, political debates and singing/guitar playing and all around just amazing memories. I am so truly saddened Mikey. I will always continue to raise a whiskey in your honour. Please know how much you are loved and missed right now. RIP my mountain brother. My condolences to Amy and all of Mikes friends and family. Chrystal ~ one of Mikes Canuck pals ~~~
Mike will also be missed by the Pinedale Glacier Bantam hockey players that he shared his time and wisdom with for the past few years. Thanks Mike, and keep your stick on the ice.
Hey Mike, you will be missed here on the East Zone of the Bridger-Teton NF. Who is going to light the candles on Smokey’s birthday cake? Thank you for all your support of fire prevention over the years and all the times I needed you and the engine for kids programs. You were always willing and such a natural, the kids loved it when you showed them the engine and talked about fire.
You were also a great hockey coach. I hope you realized how much the time and effort you shared with the Pinedale Glacier Bantams meant to those players. Thanks and keep your stick on the ice and aim for the net.
Nan Stinson, Fire Prevention Technician & Hockey Mom
My fellow ginger, my “big brother”, we were partners in crime and trouble whenever we walked in the door. So many memories. I really don’t even know where to start. Like the tears, they keep coming back to me in a huge flood. I’m keeping Amy, Riley and your family in my prayers. You were one of the best friends I’ve ever had. Say hi to Dozer for me, feed her some French fries and take care of Lucy for me. I love you and miss you beyond words.
Thank you for coaching our kids in hockey and in life. You and your family are in our prayers.
Mike played keyboards in our college band. I have a lot of great memories of playing music with him. I will have him and his family in my thoughts…
Mike always made me laugh, so full of life. Just looking at all of your pictures over the last few days, Mike had such a genuine way about him, you can see it in his eyes! You will be so missed. My heart goes out to his family….
Donna
I was very sorry to read of the loss of your son, Michael. You and your family are in my thoughts and Prayers. He will be missed by all.
Marsha Urbanski Walor
So many memories….. you always gave me a hard time about basically everything, but that one night you took me to the square to take my mind off of something and decided to dance for me on the rink. You alway knew how to make a person forget about their worries and bring out the happiness in all situations. My heart is heavy for your family, I know that you have made the best of your life though. I am going to your home land next week, I hope that I can represent well for you. May your spirit always live on friend. xoxo
I will always remember the trip to Ireland with Michael and Charlie.
Tim Moriarty
Lit a candle in memory of Michael B. Cahill
Sent a gift in memory of Michael B. Cahill
Met Mike many years ago when he was part of my squad from Acadia national park. Had a great time in Montana with those Maine boys on and off line. Will always remember your lifestyle full of energy. Stacey hit it right on ” it in his eyes.
Mike: I will miss your honest thoughts on work and fire management, always valuable to hear from the field. I remember the several conversations we had about Belize and how it looked like a great place to live. I am sad that you were not able to fulfill that dream. We will certainly miss your great personality here on the forest.
Tobin Kelley
BTNF Fire Staff Officer
Mike worked for me in the fire management program for several years at Acadia National Park. He was a great employee and a great guy. I could always depend on him to do his job well and to find better ways of doing things. And he always had a smile on his face! I was blessed to have worked with Mike and to have known him.
My prayers go out to Mike, his family and his friends. God bless you!
Doug Jones
Area Fire Management Officer, Retired
Acadia National Park and North Country Area Fire Management Group
I had the pleasure of working with Mike while detailed into the Big Piney District Ranger job in 2013. I also was proud of what he brought to the Teton Interagency Fire program. I witnessed a briefing that he gave to the Teton handcrew last year and I was impressed with the leadership quality that he brought to that crew. He had a knack for mixing in just the right amount of humor into a rather serious work atmosphere otherwise. The Teton Interagency Fire program will miss Mike greatly.
Several of us that knew Mike well were on the Tepee Springs fire when this tragedy occurred. I thought it would be nice to share some photos from that fire – a fire that Mike was going to go to before this happened… See below. My condolences go out to Mike’s family and friends. God bless!
Mike Johnston
BTNF Forest AFMO
Dear Donna – Our dear friend, Edie Burns just e-mailed the news of Michael’s passing. Please know that we are saying prayers and we are thinking of you……
Love, Kathy Finkel
Lit a candle in memory of Michael B. Cahill
Just found out last night at our firefighters’ county meeting here in Maine. Had missed Michael at Acadia meetings last summer but… what a loss. My husband and I had trained with Michael (Wildland Fire Suppression) at Acadia. For us, his soul and presence will always be at the Park. Love from Red and Jamie Sarna, Penobscot, Maine