Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time
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Michael Peila
April 7, 1950 – March 16, 2017
John Sandford says
I was part of Mike’s Helena National Forest Hotshot Wildfire Crew in 1976 & 1977. He taught us quite a lot when it came to fighting wildfire and how to do it safely. We traveled to many states in the western U. S. including a period of time on a fire in Yellowstone National Park and about a month in California in 1976. We had several adventures from lighting large back fires, constructing many miles of hand line, riding on helicopters to my first trip on an airplane. Physically, it was the most difficult job I have ever had. Mike carried us along with his leadership, and gave us a great deal of confidence which allowed the crew to do a very good job. Mike was a big personality and very knowledgeable in wildfire fighting techniques. We will all miss him. My condolences to the family. It was an honor to work with him those summers.
John Sandford