Michael Anthony Dillon

MICHAEL ANTHONY DILLON May 23, 1949 – October 30, 2016 Michael Anthony Dillon, age 67, of Sylacauga, Alabama and formerly of Twin Falls, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Alabama.On June 23, in Twin Falls, Idaho, a beautiful baby boy was born to Louis and Imogene Dillon. In the next 6 years, he was blessed with 3 sisters and a baby brother.Mike was always a curious little boy—into everything and jabbering constantly—but always the apple of his mom's and Grandma Dillon's eyes. In spite of a near fatal illness at age 2, Mike's will to live persevered, and he carried that same strength and determination with him until the time of his death. Struggling through Catholic school until 8th grade, Mike finally decided his strengths did not lay in learning but in physical work, so he quit school and joined the Job Corps. He was very proud of the things he learned in the Corps. He came home a young man full of hopes and dreams with new work skills and a strong work ethic. In 1974, Mike met a young lady, Cyd Moore, and he was smitten from the get go. On July 10, 1975, he married his soul mate, and we gained a "new sister." While raising their 2 children, they were both active in the Idaho Jaycee's program where Mike helped implement the Christmas for Everyone Program. Together, they worked for the Community Action Agency, packaging and handing out hundreds of Christmas baskets through Santa's Helper's, dressing up and visiting nursing homes, and doing many fund raisers for the less fortunate. For several years, Mike worked for the Twin Falls School District as a janitor at Harrison Elementary. He loved interacting with the children and teachers and took great pride in how shiny and squeaky he could make the floors. In the early 90's, Mike and Cyd opened a small balloon and gift basket shop where Mike did some of his most fulfilling work: dressing up! He became known in the community as Giggles the Clown, Reverend I.M. Older, and the best Santa Claus for any Christmas party. Mike was a big man—but he had an even bigger heart. No matter what Mike set out to do, he didn't quit until the task was finished and met his expectations. With that being said, when in his early 40's, a new job opportunity presented itself—but Mike didn't have the diploma required to apply. Cyd encouraged him to get his G.E.D., and after countless hours of studying and test-taking, he finally passed and was presented with his certificate. This was a hard feat for Mike, yet one of his greatest accomplishments and something he bragged about for many years. Mike and Cyd later divorced, and in 2005 Mike met a Southern gal, Linda, and moved to Alabama after living in Twin Falls all of his life. He remained in Alabama until the time of his death. Mike is survived by his mother, Imogene, of Twin Falls; his siblings, Shirley (Jeff) of Middleton, Dale (Russ) of Twin Falls, Colleen (Laynne) of Hansen, and Pat (Teresa) of Buhl; his children, Jeremy (Rachel) of Oakley and Heather (Jeremy) of Twin Falls; his grandchildren, Kevin (Hadley), Cassandra, Elizabeth, Jaxsen, Natalie, Emily, Samantha, Alexander, and Griffin, and he had one great granddaughter, Harper. Mike also leaves behind his wife, Linda, in Alabama along with many others who considered him family. Mike was preceded in death by his father (Louis), both sets of grandparents, his granddaughter, Leah-Jean, and his ex-wife, Cyd. So to Michael—our son, brother, father, best friend, and jokester—we will hold you forever in our hearts and have comfort in knowing that you are at peace and living in the house of our Lord. WE WILL SEE YOU IN HEAVEN FOR THE AFTER PARTY…. Mike's family would like to invite visitors to join us as we hold a potluck luncheon to celebrate Mike's life on November 19, 2016 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave, Twin Falls. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com