Michael Hilty

Michael Patrick Hilty, 79, of Bellingham, Wash., passed away on Nov. 9, 2024.
Born on Nov. 12, 1944, Mike led a life marked by a profound love for the outdoors, a dedication to education and a commitment to service.
Mike’s early education was completed at Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, followed by Carey High School. He furthered his studies at Bowling Green State University and later at the University of Washington which laid the foundation for his lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
Following university, Mike honorably served four years in the U.S. Army, with a deployment to South Korea. His time in the military was a testament to his dedication and resilience, qualities that he carried throughout his life.
Professionally, Mike was a beloved high school science teacher. His career began at Ku-ring-gai High School in Sydney, Australia, and later, he taught chemistry at Lake Washington High School in Kirkland, Wash. Mike was renowned for his ability to inspire his students in science.
Mike’s passion for the natural world was evident through his hobbies which included biking, hiking, geology and Civil War research. He was also an avid genealogist and traveler, constantly seeking to broaden his understanding of the world and its history. His commitment to environmental conservation led him to regularly volunteer for trail maintenance in Washington state, helping preserve the beauty of the natural landscapes he so loved.
He is survived by his brother, John Hilty, and sister, Barbara Hilty Hines. He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas J. Hilty Jr. and his parents, Thomas J. Hilty and Mary Kathryn Hilty.
A celebration of life will be held in 2025 to honor Mike’s rich and impactful life. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to The Nature Conservancy, Ocean Conservancy, Doctors Without Borders, the Bellingham Washington Food Bank or your local food bank. These organizations reflect his commitment to humanitarian and environmental causes.