“Iron” Mike Hillman told stories on the June 2014 Great Northern Radio Show, which broadcast live from Vermilion Community College in Ely. Hillman died Dec. 11, 2014 in his sleep of an apparent heart attack, silencing one of Ely’s most colorful and heartfelt storytellers. (PHOTO: Shelly Hanson)
As I travel around the state with my Great Northern Radio Show I’ve had the privilege of meeting many wonderful and talented people in all the towns we visit. Mike Hillman was one such person. Mike told stories in our Ely show last summer. One story was an old pioneer legend from the early day of the town, the other a touching remembrance of his grandfather.
The second story, the one about his grandfather, brought grown men to tears. Heck, it did in rehearsal and the same people got all blubbery again in the actual show.
Last Thursday, Dec. 11, Mike Hillman died in his sleep from an apparent heart attack. His obituary is here. If you’d like to hear our Ely show where Mike told stories, you can find that here (right click to download MP3). My deepest condolences to his friends and family. Mike was, like his grandfather in the story, a good man.
Mike was my dad. And I was wondering if you could please get me a copy of his last radio broadcast he did with you. Thank you and god bless.
Allison – It was an honor to work with your father. He was such a wonderful storyteller. You can download our Ely show here. He told two stories in that show, one in each hour.
http://www.kaxe.org/Audiobox/GreatNorthernRadioShow/KAXE_GNRS_2014_6_14_ELY2HR.mp3
Thank you very much Mr. Brown my dad was a great man with many talents. Iam glad you had the chance to meet with him and talk.