DEXTER and CORINNA – Michael Errold Hilliker, 59, made his final journey home Sept. 14, 2008, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 3, 1949, in Bangor, a son of Darrell D. and Hope A. (Severance) Hilliker. Michael attended schools in Cumberland Center, Mattituck, N.Y., and Suffolk County Community College, Selden, N.Y. Music was his life, and he played keyboard from age 15 when he formed his first band, the Hardnocs, in New York. They appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and he continued to play for the remainder of his life, playing with bands in New York City and in the upstate New York resorts, appearing on the bill with such stars as Gregory Hines, Billy Joel, Jan Murray, Buddy Hackett, and others. After moving back to his home state of Maine, he continued to play in various bands until a few months before his death. Michael was known for always lending a hand to those less fortunate. He loved nature, his animals, and true friends, which were an added blessing. In addition to his mother of Corinna, he leaves behind six children, Michael and wife, Tracy Hilliker, of Manchester, N.H., Crista Hilliker of Gilbert, Ariz., Carrie and husband, Eric Lezy of Attleboro, Mass., Christopher Brown and partner, Tanya Kennison, of Rumford, Lorelei Hilliker of Etna, and Levi Hilliker of Dexter; nine grandchildren, Dylan, Alysia and Christian Hilliker of Manchester, N.H., Taylor and Jordan Moskowitz of Gilbert, Ariz., Sarah and Madison Lezy of Attleboro, Mass., Nathan Brantley of Etna, and Haley Brown of Rumford; two sisters, Rebecca and husband, Arthur Browning, of Jacksonville, Fla., Karen and husband, Curtis Phipps, of Kennesaw, Ga. He also leaves behind special friends, Lynda Marchelletta, Linda Frautten and Judy Drew. He was predeceased by his father, Darrell D. Hilliker; and older brother, Darrell S. “Skip” Hilliker. A gathering of family and friends are welcome to share memories and love of Michael 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at American Legion Post No. 73, Maple Street, Corinna. Contributions in his memory may be made to CancerCare of Maine, 417 State St., Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal Funeral Chapel, Corinna. Those who wish may sign an online guest register at www.CrosbyNeal.com.