Obituary

Michael Billups
Celebration of life
June 2, 1946---November 15, 2022

Cindy Billups has asked that I share some reflections about Mike, my nephew that I have known since his birth. Over the years we have shared many memories. The news of Michael's passing has been a terrific shock to me and Aunt Shirley as we look back at the many good family times that we had together. With Mike's passing we will each be opening a new chapter in our own personal "Book of Life."

In the early years I can remember building a sandbox for brothers Mike and Rob along with their help.We later learned the cats also liked the sandbox and we built a cover. The brothers then watched, asking many questions, as brother John and I finished the bedrooms on the second floor of their home on Tenino Court.

On a family camping trip Mike was shooting water on Shirley from an old Coppertone bottle. Not to sit on the sidelines Aunt Shirley joined in the fun---but her bottle contained John's real Coppertone. Needless to say father John was not pleased at getting greasy Coppertone all over the tent--while Mike with a big grin said "she started it."

Michael went into the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1969 as a Korean War Veteran. Rob went to Lexington, Kentucky to stay with Norm and Shirley to start his career at Asbury College. When Mike was returning home from the Navy he stopped by to visit with Norm and Shirley and after a few days left to drive with Rob and his car 2300 miles back to Portland.

On his return home Mike entered Portland State University and graduated in the early 1970's with a degree that enable him to successfully pass the CPA examination. Mike had his own and successful accounting practice in Portland for 40 years.

Mike and Cindy enjoyed boating and had various boats and boating experiences over the years. Brother John had a boat--the Marjoran--on the Willamette river on which the family along with Shirley and I spent many hours fishing and sunbathing. This was the beginning of Mike's passion for the water. Rob 's passion was for cars while John's passion was for both boats and cars. Norm's passion was for cars but also enjoyed invitations to boating trips with the family.

During his accounting practice Mike had a branch office in Madras, Oregon for a number of years. Mike and Cindy had a home there on a lake which they enjoyed with family and friends that often visited.. Mike and Cindy were very giving and generous in sharing their home and time with others. Many hours were spent sightseeing and fishing on their pontoon boat and touring the lake to simply get away from the hustle and bustle of town on their 26 foot Sea Ray. Mike had a passion for grilling and many special lunches and dinners were prepared on the grill---and the fish were grilled especially well.. Brother John and Marjorie were often there with us. Other trips were to Three Rivers where we rented a houseboat for a few days again fishing and sightseeing. Grandmother Myrtle Billups was with us and said that she had never seen so many fish----and said who was going to cook them? Well, mike came through again.

Brother John and Mike both had boats moored at the Tyee Yacht Club on the Columbia River where Mike was involved as an officer. Again, we had many fun days and overnight cruises on the Columbia River to Multnomah Falls and further on upstream to Bonneville Dam. Mike and Cindy's 46 foot Bay Liner named "Tax Man" provided great sleeping comfort and time for relaxation. Mike's passion for grilling meals was noted and appreciated by the Tyee Yacht club where he often grilled for 200 members.

.Mike was elected Commodore at the Tyee Yacht Club after many active years of service. Shirley a Norm along with son Tim, Pam and Alex flew in from Cleveland to attend the annual 2009 Commodore's Ball. Shane and his date looked really sharp too. This was the highlight of the year for us being together and dressed in tuxedos and beautiful gowns for the annual celebration with a fancy gourmet dinner.

Mike and Cindy sold there home in Madras and replaced it with a home having a terrific view of Crescent Lake--- and again a boat dock for their 26 foot Sea Ray for summer boating activities. In the winter it was fun getting together for snowmobiling and hot chocolate around the campfire with family and friends living in the area..

Sitting here now I am wearing my "1994 Family Reunion Cap" where we gathered together 28 years ago at Cannon Beach. In reflecting back on the good time we had at Cannon Beach it reminded me of the other events and places with happy memories that our family had together with John Billups and each member of his family. Like all families there have been times of disagreement. But today this is a time to come together and be thankful for all of the blessings and gifts that God has given to us---and to be faithful stewards of these God given gifts while we are here on earth. This is a time for each of us to reconcile with forgiveness---and to love one another as God continues to love each of us--even with our warts and all.

As we close this final chapter with Mike in our "Own Book of Life" let us now open a new chapter starting with Michael Billups. Let's start by reflecting and listing the happy memories that we had with Mike. Let's rejoice together as we Celebrate Michael's Life.

Much Love, Uncle Norm and Aunt Shirley