Obituary: Michael B. Cahill, 40, U.S. Forest Service, Fought Fires all Over the Country

Obituary from C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors.

Michael Brendan Cahill, 40, passed away unexpectedly September 2, 2015 at his home. He was the beloved husband of Amy Ambler Cahill, with whom he shared eight years of marriage.

Michael was born on September 9, 1974 in Danvers, the son of Donna (Spakas) Cahill of Danvers and the late Charles Cahill. He was a graduate of St. John’s Prep and the University of Maine in Orono, where he earned a degree in Forestry.

He subsequently began a career with the US Forest Service fighting fires all over the country. He was last stationed in Big Piney, WY where he served as Engine Captain for the Big Piney Ranger District.

Michael’s work dictated he live in areas such as Northern Maine, Montana & Wyoming. While these places were far from his place of birth, they were the only areas vast enough to house his larger than life personality. Michael exuded that classic Irish charm that put everyone at ease and always made him the life of the party. This trait fostered a love of traveling and making friends far and wide. Michael was also an accomplished musician, an aggressive hockey player & coach, an avid scuba diver and a lover all things food & drink.

Michael never missed an opportunity to talk about his love for his wife, Amy. He was quick to admit he “married up” and truly adored her. He also had great love for his daughter, Rylie Turner, and deep admiration for her mother, Diana Turner Mitchell.

In addition to his wife, mother, and daughter, Michael is also survived by a great number of family and friends including his sisters Jennifer Churchill and her husband Adam of Danvers and Suzanne Cahill and her husband Matthew Churchill of Wenham. He also leaves several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as a line of friends that has no end. His spirit will be missed by all.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 9AM in Saint Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery, Sylvan St., Danvers. C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Donation’s in Mike’s name may be made to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, 2049 Airport Way, Boise ID 83705 or the USA Hockey Foundation, 1775 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.