Mike Arthur Hillman

Michael Arthur Hillman, 36, Newport Beach, CA, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2013. He fought a courageous battle against cancer for 3 ½ years. Mike was born March 10, 1977 in Fargo, ND. His parents are Margaret (Brett) and Arthur Hillman of Grand Forks. After graduating from Red River High School in 1995, he went on to earn a degree in civil engineering from the University of North Dakota. He later earned his MBA degree from the University of Minnesota. After graduating from UND, Mike went to work for MNDOT in Minn. He then joined the firm of TKDA Engineers, Architects, and Planners of St. Paul, MN. He transferred to Southern CA in 2007 to start up their Irvine office working primarily with the railroads. Mike loved gathering with family and friends. He was an avid fan of hockey, especially UND hockey. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was compassionate, generous, and always willing to try something new. He was involved in the Big Brother/Little Brother program in MN and CA. He loved to hunt and fish with his dad and friends. With Mike there was always a light at the end of the tunnel. He could find a glimmer of hope in the most difficult of situations. On April 13, 2012, Mike was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lindsay Laughbon, in Newport Beach, CA. Survivors include his wife, Lindsay Hillman, Newport Beach, CA, his parents Art and Maggie of Grand Forks, his beloved French bulldog, Kota, several aunts and uncles and many cousins. He will be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Eldon and Anna Hillman and Jim and Carrie Brett; his uncle, John Brett, and his cousin, Ryan Hillman. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Village Family Services of Fargo, ND (Adoption or Big Brother programs) or The Wesley United Methodist Church of Grand Forks. A foundation in Mike's name is to be determined later. MEMORIAL SERVICES: 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2013 at Wesley United Methodist Church 1600 4th Ave. N. in Grand Forks. VISITATION: One hour prior to the service at the church. A guestbook may be signed or viewed at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com