Shock and heartache were the emotions I experienced when I hear of your tragic loss.  I remember Mike's amazing smile, sense of humor and warmth when he would greet me in the mornings in the hangar in Corpus Christi,  TX.  He was a wonderful man who will be sincerely missed.  Unfortunately, we cannot measure Michael's life in years or quantity, but with what matters most these days, quality.  Rest in peace, Mike, knowing your memory will remain with us forever.

I was informed of Mike's passing while I was attending my 25 year Aviation Officer Candidate School reunion in Pensacola. After catching my breath...and quietly reflecting... I toasted a great man,  with a shot of tequila... then went for a walk in  the white sand ...he was a fine man.
God bless

I worked with Mike at Customs in Corpus Christi, Tx for the two years or so that he was there and it was an honor. Always smiling, always pleasant and great to fly with.
I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear Joyce,
There are no words to fill the void and pain that you and your girls feel now.  I am so sorry but also you are blessed to have had the life, marriage and time that you did with Mike.  So many are here to support you now, hug your girls and know that you are and your family are loved by many and are in our prayers.
Karen, Larry, Houston and Levi Hill

Ed and I had the pleasure of knowing Mike for 15+ years and although we didn't keep in constant touch, it seemed as though we did  when we saw him again.   Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sam and Madi.

Dear Joyce, 
  Just learned of your loss, so sorry.  I have wonderful memories of you both.  I have such fond memories of Downey Hall, Mike being my first ""roommate"".   :)   My thoughts are with you and your girls at this very difficult time.

May god have mercy on Michael
and keep his perpetual light burning. May Michael and all the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace in heaven forever.
                         Amen

Dear Joyce, I am deeply saddened to here of Mike's passing.  I'm so sorry I could not be there for the service.  Mike's passion for family and caring for others is a great example for all of us to remember and to follow.  I will greatly miss my classmate.  My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Joyce, I have just heard... Hard to find the right words to express how sorry I am. I wish I could be there. I just sat here and thought of Mike for a while... how he used to give me a hard time, joke around... his wittiness! I got a big smile on my face... but, I am just so sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, Samantha, and Madison. Love you.

Dear Joyce,
I was stunned to hear of Mike's passing.  I send my sincere condolences.  I think of all the great/treasured memories of Mike from UW, the Navy and United.  He will be missed. They simply don't make 'em any better than Shorty.  God Bless.  David

My thoughts and prayers go out you and the girls.  May Mike live in your hearts and spirits forever.

Dear Joyce, 
We were so sad to hear of Mike's passing. We will so miss his quick wit and ready smile at church. If there is anything we can do to help, please don't hesitate to call.

Dear Joyce,
We are saddened by the death of Mike and can only offer you our prayers and condolences at his passing. Your family has been a blessing to our church family and we hope that you can find support and sustenance from the love that is shared with you. May God be with you in your sorrow.

Dear Joyce, 
We are thinking of you today and always.  I have shared my very fond memories of you, Mike, Samantha, and Madison with Jamie.  Through these and so many other memories, Mike's gifts to the world continues.  You are in our prayers,
Monica and Jamie Irons

Dear Joyce - I was shocked and saddened to see Mike's obituary in my local paper.  I think of you often and have only the best memories of time spent with you and Mike.  I wish the best for you and the girls, my love and prayers are with you and I truly hope we can reconnect sometime soon!
Love to you all!
Jill

Dearest Joyce, Samantha, and Madison:
Allan said it best, ""I miss him already.""  We are so grateful to be a part of your lives, you are our dearest friends.  We've shared happy and hard times together, and you and Mike have always been inspiring, helpful, and caring.  We will continue to hold each other up because that's what Mike would do.  Samantha and Madison are a big part of our lives, and we will always be here for both of you.  All our love, Allan, Cindy, Christopher, and James

Joyce, Madison, and Samantha,
There are no words to express how saddened I am by Mike's passing.  It has been a joy to interact with your family throughout the years, as the girls have grown so much since we all first met.  One of my favorite memories of Mike was at Kelsey's Straw's birthday party at the end of kindergarten in which he discussed the various Barbie movies at length and joked about not being able to wait for the conclusion of Mermaidia.  As the girls continue together throughout school, we know that he will still be watching whatever is the latest trend for girls and loving it!  Peace and love to your family, you are in our thoughts and prayers,  Sondra and Lydia

Dear Joyce and family,
My heart feels heavy as I think of your great loss.  I regret that I did not have the opportunity to meet Michael.  It sounds like he was an incredible person who touched many lives.  My thoughts and prayers are with you now as well as in the future.
Sincerely,
Dana Rogers

It was great getting to know Mike on the soccer fields. May the loving memories you have get you all through this very difficult time. Many prayers to you all.
Love, The Ostler family

Joyce, Samantha, Madison and all in Shorthill family
My thoughts are with you.  Such sadness and sorrow come with his passing, but great memories of the wonderful man and father shall carry you through.  I am sorry I can not be there at the Memorial, but feel my love!

dearest friend Joyce..I was shocked and saddened to learn yesterday of Mike's death. my heart aches for you and the girls. I so sorry you lost Mike. while i only met him a few times over the years, i loved the way you spoke of him when we were working together - and again at that lovely lunch we had at austins about 5 years ago. I had no idea of the stuggles you were, and are, facing.  forgive me for not staying in touch. alan uses his photography to make bookmarks.  he has a lovely one in remembrance of our loved ones. i will see that you get one.  i am trusting Jesus to give you and the girls the ""peace that passeth understanding.""  I love you, lady!

I am so sorry to hear of your loss especially at such a young age.  You and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Family:
I am writing to extend my love to you all in your loss.  My son battled a brain tumor for four years, also, and lost his battle last July.  He, too, had seizures, lost the use of his right side, his eyesight and speech, but never lost his ability to be a witness with his faith, strength and love to all of us.  We know he is no longer suffering and is in Heaven and that we will see him again.
But, that still leaves us behind to deal with the loss and not being with his physical presence.
I am writing to send my love, and to let you know that I am here if you ever need to talk with someone who has suffered the same journey.
Prayers, love and blessings to you all,
Judy Jackson

Dear Joyce
Blake and I are so very sad to hear about Mike.  We will miss him to say the least. He was a loving husband and father and a friend to many!  I have many memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.  Peace be with you and your family.
We love you.
Lisa and Blake Williams

Joyce, please accept my sincerest sympathy on the loss of your husband.  Your life and the lives of your lovely daughters have been immeasurably enriched by the legacy left by Mike.
Our families became acquainted some twelve years ago when we both attended Plymouth Congregational Church.  When my son Michael graduated from Ft Collins High School to join the Marine Corps, you and Mike graciously attended his going-away party.  I will always remember the kindness you both accorded to my son and the respect you gave to him for that life-changing decision.  As a former Navy aviator, Mike was in a unique position to understand the challenges that would confront this young man joining the military, and his encouragement  and support knew no bounds.  
I feel fortunate to have known Mike and please know that he touched more lives than you will ever know.

What a wonderful young man to leave this earth too soon. Jane--I taught with you a few years at Boulder in Billings and remember your cute little children. Chuck & I had lived in Thermopolis and Sheridan, when he was teaching, and I thought you married a Sheridan man, when you left Billings. Obviously, you and your family did a great job of raising this son. Joyce and daughters, we hope you will cherish the wonderful example Mike was to you, especially these four years. Having my Daddy die when I was 2, leaving my Mom with 4 under 9, I know the grief, but also that faith carries you through it. We are members of Temple Methodist Church in San Francisco in the winters, and Shiloh Methodist in the summers. May God be with you. Lorene and Chuck Rowland

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Joyce, Samantha and Madison,
It is hard to find the words to express our sincere sympathy for your loss.  Mike was a wonderful person, and will be missed greatly.  You were blessed to have him as your husband and father, and I'm sure there is a big hole in your hearts now that he is gone.  Know that you are, and will be, in our thoughts and prayers.
Nancy and Chris

To the family of Mike.  I have never met you, but we are relatives.  My dad Kenneth George was a cousin of Mike's dad Harold.  I am so sorry to hear of Mike's death.  My sympathy to Mike's wife and children.  Mike sounds like he was a great man, husband, and dad.  I will be praying for you all in the days ahead.  Sincerely, Donna (George) Scott

Our prayers and thoughts are with you all both now and always.  Every memory of Mike is surrounded with a smile and peace.  May God bless him and his family.

My deepest condolences on your loss. I am a nephew of Harrolds wife Mickey.  While I never met Michael I know about him and his struggles.  I am glad he got to spend time with his family during his battle.  We feel for your loss in our family.  Again condolences.

joyce,
   i am so sorry, I although absent have the fondest memories.
I pray for peace and strength at this time, that christs' mercy and grace surround you and your daughters. 
   I am trying to move my schedule 
so i can attend the service, if i may do anything just email or call
(307) 267- 5695.
in christs' love,
dennis

We used to enjoy water-skiing with Mike and Joyce on the Texas coast.  Mike was a pleasure to fly with on our long missions with Customs.  May the Lord be with his family as he enjoys peace with God in Heaven.

I remember Mike.  He was a real good student and kid.  Sorry to hear about this.  My wife, Gail, had brain surgery in 1984 and we understand some of the battle.  I now do brain/memory research.  We are saddened.

Prayers of peace to Mike's family.  I pray that the Holy Spirit be close to you and comfort you all.

To Mike's Loving Family,
Too soon has Mike left this realm.
Blessed are you who love and are loved by Mike. You will always feel his love as you continue your travels on this earth path. Mike??Ts physical presence will be missed... and, his existence here has surely made a difference in many ways... some we will never know. His daughter??Ts will carry forth Mike??Ts wonderful qualities that made him such a good person??? they will honor their Dad with their lives as his love continues its influence throughout time.
So, so very sorry for your loss??? our thoughts and prayers are sent for you all.
Heidi Wendell, HSCHS ??~79

Joyce and daughters,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Mike.  We graduated from high school together.  He will be missed and my heartflet condolences go out to you all.

Wishing you comfort and strength in your time of need.  My heart goes out to you.  If there is anything I/we can do, please let us know.

Dear Shorthill Family - 
Mike and I were best childhood friends.  Mike, his mom Jane and sister Jan lived next door to my family when they lived with Mike's grandparents in Billings, MT.  We went everywhere and did everything together until Mike was about 14 and his family moved to another neighborhood.  With great regret, I never knew Mike as an adult, but have the fondest memories of him as a young boy and my best friend.
I share your grief, but share the pride you must feel in the man, husband and father Mike became.  With your permission at a later date, I would like to share specific memoeries and stories that I shared with Mike when he and I were just kids.
With sympathy,
Tom Dietrich
Eagle, ID (formally of Ave F in Billings)
tkm.dietrich@fiberpipe.net

I knew Mike at UAL training.  We were in the same class in 1995 and trained together on the 727.  I will miss him.  He's a very good man.

Joyce, May you and the girls find comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.  
In Him, Dawn Burgess

I was able to witness Mike's quick wit and great sense of humor when I visited him and Joyce last month.  It was so much fun watching the two of them interact!

Dear Joyce,  Both Kathy and I were so saddened to hear the news of Mike's death.  Thinking of you and the girls.  God Bless Ritchie & Kathy B.

My heart goes out to you and the kids...Mike was a great guy and will be missed by all who know him. May Goddess bless and keep you.

Joyce and girls,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.  I am so honored to have spent time with Mike this past June at the family reunion.  He was a delight and made me laugh.  He will be missed.
All our love,
Judy and Pat Hayes

Joyce, 
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and the girls will be in my thoughts.

Dear Joyce, Madison and Samantha, 
I am so very sorry for your loss.  Mike was one of the nice guys in high school(HSCHS-1978) that you just couldn't help but like. Gentle, kind and solid as a classmate, I can only imgaine how he was as a father and a husband.  I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers to you, your families and all those that loved him so.  God Bless.

Dear Joyce and girls,
I am so thankful to have spent a little time with you all on my whirlwind trip recently. I admired your will and faith knowing the coming change. I know that the Lord will grant you peace, strength and joy as the days continue to come. Your little angels will be counting on you, you will be there for them and we will be here for you. Love you all and God bless.
LD

Shorthill Family
I am Harold and Mickeys nephew.  I met Michael once when I was in my early teens.  At that time to me he seemed larger than life.  Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.  I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Arlen Scott

Joyce, Little Girls and family....
You are all in my heart and prayers at this challenging time of loss and change.  I pray you are able to find some moments of ""Peace"" while you navigate this difficult time.
All of My Love,
Stacy Burgess

Joyce, We are truly sad to hear that Mike has passed but know he is smiling down at you and the girls.  We think of you all the time and miss seeing you and the girls.  Praying for strength and peace during this difficult time for you.  Please let us know if we can help in any way.  Love, Stacie, Greg, and the boys

Dear Joyce, Madison and Samantha,
We are so sorry for your loss.  Although we have only met a few time, I feel like we have been friends for years.  Jean has kept us up to date with your lives since I first met her over 12 years ago. She has shared your joys, your challenges, and your sorrows with us.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the Shorthill Family,
It is with a very heavy heart that we all share for Mike that I jot this note. Mike was such a happy go lucky guy, always smiling and beaming about his ""girls"". I know Mike from attending a few Bronco games with him - the true fan whether the team was playing well or not. I never knew about his military flying history - maybe he was too humble to discuss it. Earth has lost a great man, father and dedicated fan. Heaven has gained all that and more. Hope to see you up there flying Big Mike.
Blake Williams
Denver, CO

Dear Joyce,
To my knowledge, we have never met but I work in the nursing department at CAHR.  Sue, RT, told me of you and your loss and I just wanted to express my sincere sympathy to you and your family.  Michael's obituary, printed in the paper today, was truly amazing and such a wonderful tribute to your husband.  Although I don't know you, I will pray for peace and comfort to you and your girls.  
Take Care

Dear Joyce, Madison & Samantha,
We just want you to know we Love You & you are in our prayers.
Love Aunt Marion & Uncle Bob

Mike, I will truly miss your smile and good humor on the soccer field watching our girls play soccer. You truly loved your wife Joyce and your girls and it showed in all that you did. I wish God's Love and Comfort for your entire family. Love you guys!

My heart is heavy for the family of this young man, Michael Shorthill, as I share the same pain with them. Six months ago, my son, John Jay Althoff, age 44 was taken from us with a rare brain tumor. On May, 2005 he was told he had 3 to 6 months, but also lasted 4 years. He was an experiment with any drug that was new on the market. His was inoperable. Because John had a huge family and wonderful wife, he fought very hard to beat this monster. Time does heal and we know he is in good hands! Please write me if you wish as I would like to share this time with you.Regards, Marlene Matranga

Dear Joyce, Samantha and Madison,
We are very saddened by the news of Mike's passing.  He was a wonderful man and we can only imagine how hard this is for all of you.  Our hearts go out to your daughters, as Jim also lost his father at a young age.  I am so glad they were able to spend such quality time with him and to know he relished every minute of it.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Jim and Janine

Sorry to hear of the passing of ""Mike"".  We are special friends of Harold and Mickey.  Our prayers are with the family each day.

Dear Joyce,
We are thinking of you and the girls during this difficult time.  Mike was an amazing Dad who loved his girls so much.  We pray that God's love will heal your sorrow and His peace will fill your heart with all the wonderful memories.  
Love,
The Pennock Family

I'm so heartbroken to hear about Mike's death. I met him once at a bookclub meeting at Joyce's house and I remember his BIG smile! I'm sure his spunk matched that of Joyce, Madison and Samantha! My tears and heart go out to all of you.

Joyce & family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, our prayers are with you, and if there is anything we can do for you please don't hesitate to ask. 
Dave, Brenna and Neyla Olwine

Our family really enjoyed getting to know Mike and appreciated his down-to-earth style, kindness and sense of humor.  He was always such a joy to talk with.  Katie will always cherish the camping trip she took with Mike, Joyce and Madi and Sam.  We feel so blessed to have you all in our lives and Mike in our hearts.  Love, thoughts, and prayers to Joyce, Madi and Sam.  Renee Hanson

Joyce, Madison and Samantha,
Here at Customs in both Corpus Christi and Jacksonville, Mike will be sorely missed as he left an amazing lifelong positive impression on many aircrewmembers in the short 2 years he was here.
We all personally thank Mike and Joyce for their wonderful examples as model citizens,friends,and squadron-mates. God Bless you all!
Drew Duff

Joyce, Madison & Samantha,
I am so sorry for your loss.  It was my honor to get to know Mike and all of you at McGraw.  I always had such pleasant visits with Mike, whether we see each other at McGraw or at the grocery store.  Our prayers are with you at this time.
Kara & Augusta Rudnick

Dear Joyce, Madison & Samantha,
My heart is heavy after just hearing about Mike.  What a wonderful man.  I always enjoyed being around him because of his smile and positive attitude.  The love for you Joyce was always obvious and then two beautiful girls came into his world that he absolutely adored!  My thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you all.

Keeping you close in our prayers. I feel blessed to have known Mike and am thankful that your family is a part of our lives. Looking forward to many more years of friendship.

It was an honor and joy to fly with Mike.

Mike and I flew together in Customs, he always loved missions that were near the Andes, he did love mountains. Even before his children he really was such a grounded person, family oriented, easy going, fun and professional. The week before he went to United Al and I went by on the Whaler and toasted farewell to Shorty and Joyce. That was the last time I saw Mike 15 years ago, but I always knew I had a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and you're family at this difficult time.

Madison and Samantha,
I only met your Daddy once.  It was Halloween and he was with you at a Halloween party where your Mom works.  I remember how he smiled while watching you two.  You were all dressed up and VERY cute.  He was so proud, I could tell!
As a ""Daddy's Girl"" myself, I can tell you that you will always be Daddy's Girls, and he will always be so proud of you and love you with all his heart.
Give your Mom a hug for me. She is a special lady and so lucky to have you girls.  You all are in my prayers.

Mike will be missed.  As his uncle, and the one privileged to officiate at his wedding to Joyce, I'm glad he was able to realize his dreams.

Just before our son Ken's brain surgery, a friend reminded me that tears are ""liquid prayers"" and God sees and hears each one.  I know He does.  Joyce, you will see Mike again and he will be happy and whole and smiling.
You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts and joyful memories.
Love,
Becki Wallace  TSOT

Mike was a fine officer, awesome pilot, and good friend to many. Known for his good nature and fairness he was a steady hand for the wardroom.
I am sadden by his loss, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and daughters.

Dear Joyce and Family,
Our thoughts continue to be with you.  
Hole  #5 will always bring fond memories of seeing Mike relaxing on the deck or working hard in the kitchen.
He has a great group of girls to keep his legacy loud in this world.
Warmly,
Kody and Heath

dear Shorthill family, what a neat guy Mike was. Your loss is everyone's loss... May God bless you with His peace and comfort now and in all the days to come...especially in the moments when you miss him terribly....

Joyce,
I am very sorry to hear about Mike.  You and the girls have my sincere sympathy.
Dennis Ziefel

Dear Joyce, Madison and Samantha,
I?'m truly sorry for your loss.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Michael but I?'m sure I would have thoroughly enjoyed his company.  Our families have quite a lot in common.  I am a former Navy man and was an instructor pilot like Michael.  My wife and I both have family from Wyoming and we have a 10 year old daughter.
If there is any assistance we can provide to your family, please don?'t hesitate to ask.  We are right around the corner in Loveland.
Paul and Siama Jimenez
DENFO
JoseFlies@aol.com

OBITUARY

Michael C. Shorthill

December 23, 1959 – March 21, 2010

Allnutt Funeral & Cremation - Macy

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