BILLINGS - One of the 13 people killed Thursday by a gunman at Fort Hood was a physician's assistant with ties to Montana.

Michael Grant Cahill, 62, served in the Montana Army National Guard for many years and lived with his family in Great Falls, Havre, Boulder, Roundup and Helena. He was married for 37 years to Joleen, who was born and raised in Roundup.

After hours of hoping Michael had not been able to call because of the lockdown, Joleen learned her husband had died late Thursday night when a military chaplain came to her home in Cameron, Texas.

"I knew when they came, but I didn't want to believe it," she said.

The couple lived together for 15 years in Montana, after meeting while attending colleges in Washington.

Michael worked at hospitals in Boulder and Great Falls and at the Veterans Affairs Clinic in Billings. He also served in the Montana Army National Guard with units in Havre, Helena and Bozeman from 1973 to 1987, Joleen said.

"We were looking at his uniform last night from that," said James Cahill, his son.

Family members recall Michael as a voracious reader and great storyteller, who loved knowledge and could talk about any topic with anyone.

One favorite tale from his Guard days in Montana involved a unit taking a tank to a tractor contest, James said.

Michael, who is from Spokane, Wash., is survived by his wife; his adult children, Keely Vanacker, Kerry Cahill and James; and his grandson, Brody Vanacker. They have family in Roundup, Bozeman and Winnett. Joleen's maiden name is Murphy.

"Some of the happiest times we had was up at the family cabin outside of White Sulphur," Joleen said.

The Cahills left Montana in 1987, when Michael took a job with the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Portland, Ore. He later worked at rural health clinics, and was passionate about improving rural health care.

"He was always there and he never ever was upset if people called at 3 a.m. with an emergency," said his daughter Kerry Cahill.

About four years ago, Michael began working as a civilian contractor at Fort Hood, treating soldiers who were returning from tours or preparing to deploy.

"Even though he never served in combat himself, he knew a lot of people who did, and he was able to help people deal with issues related to it," James said. "He made it a point to be with each of these people as a human being."

Michael had suffered a heart attack about three weeks ago, but had recovered quickly and returned to work at Fort Hood within a week.

Joleen said they were starting to make retirement plans, and had dreamed of moving into the family home in Roundup, which was built by her grandparents.

"We loved being in Montana," Joleen said. "That's why we were planning to return when he retired."

The family hopes to hold an interment for Michael at a veterans cemetery in Montana in May.

Kahrin Deines: 657-1392 or kdeines@billingsgazette.com