<![CDATA[FALLEN CLASSMATES.COM - Charles Baird "Mike" Billington-Santa Maria HS-1950]]>

CHARLES BAIRD "MIKE" BILLINGTON

Charles Baird "Mike" Billington passed away June 18th, 2009 at the age of 77. He was born January 24, 1932 to Byron J. and Catherine V. Carroll Billington at the old Grigsby Hospital in Santa Maria. Mike grew up on teh Rice Ranch Oil lease known as "Orcutt Hill". He was active in the 4H club and knew at a young age his passion would be horses and cattle. He attended Orcutt Union High School and Santa Maria High School graduating with the class of 1950. Mike spent a semester at U.C. Davis and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force spending four years of military police duty in Louisiana. He was an avid tennis player with his Air Force team, he won may trophies in competition. After his honorable discharge in 1954, he returned to Santa Maria and continued his education in animal science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He met and married Patricia A. "trish" Beekler and they, along with three children made their home in several California cities as he continued working in the field of animal science. Mike remained involved in the cattle business with his son, Bryan, until his death. He is preceded in death by his parents and Patricia. Surviving Mike is his sister, carol Joy Kendell, children, Jeanne (David) Pepple of Arroyo Grande, Ca., Bryan J. Billington of Santa Maria, Katy Billington of Anderson, CA., grandson, Patrick, his niece and nephew, Cathy and Michael Kendall and family. of Santa Maria. Also surviving Mike is his very special and dedicated companion of 20 years, Joann Cota, her brother Gary Saunders (Sandy), Joann's children, Cyndi (Bob) Weirum, and Doug Cota, her grandchildren, Stacia (Euan), Kara, Alisa (Scott), Kristi (Jeff), Aiden, Kaitlyn, Ed, Emily. Our friends and family will hold humor and zest for life in our hearts forever. Adios Mike. Contributions can be made to your favorite charity. Celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 27th at 10:30 am at Magner Moloney funeral home. Interment will follow at a later date.

Published in Santa Maria Times on June 25, 2009