Michael Hiser

Sullivan—Michael Kenneth Hiser passed from this life July 19, 2025, after battling terminal cancer. Mike was born May 23, 1952, in Oak Hill, West Virginia.

Growing up, he played music with his brothers and friends. An avid drummer, his love of music carried through for the entirety of his life. As a teen, his love of music was equally paralleled by his fondness for getting into mischief. After graduating from Collins High School in 1970, Mike joined the U.S. Navy. His time in the Navy was marked by two tours in Vietnam, as well as duty stations in Germany and Japan, and multiple stops in ports all over the world.

In November of 1974, he married his sweetheart Patricia Anne Withrow. During their years together, they gave birth to three children, Donald, Michelle, and Amanda. As a family, they traveled the world together with the Military.

Retiring in Winter Harbor, Maine, Mike and family finally settled in the town of Sullivan in 1999. It was in Sullivan that he rediscovered his love of Firefighting. Working through the ranks as a firefighter, he ultimately became the town’s Fire Chief as well as an EMT. With the help of others on the Sullivan Fire Department, Mike created the fire department’s EMS division, providing emergency medical care to the town’s residents.

When he departed the fire department, Mike enjoyed playing drums and his vast assortment of guitars. He also enjoyed working in his yard and ever- expanding garden, often giving the vegetables he grew to those who came to visit. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, often giving them gifts or treats when he saw them. An avid fan of Christmas, his house was always abundantly decorated, with mountains of presents filling his living room.

Mike left this world surrounded by his family in the same manner that he lived his life, stubbornly and not without a fight. He was surrounded by love and radiated it back until his final breath. 

 He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Wanda, and his brothers Wayne and Jimmy. He is survived by his sister Sherrie Sisk (Roger); children Donald Allen Hiser (Megan), Michelle Anne Pinkham (Michael), and Amanda Lei Hiser; as well his grandchildren, Shalom Hiser, Natalie Rotta, Payton Rotta, Jordan Pinkham, Kallie Pinkham, Jolie Hiser, Gabriel Hiser, and Liam Hiser.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00PM Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Simpson Cemetery, Rte. 1, Sullivan.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Sullivan Fire and Rescue EMS, 1769 US Hwy 1, Sullivan, ME, United States, Maine, 04664.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, where online condolences may be shared: www.bragdonkelley.com