Mike was born in Albuquerque, NM to his mother, Nadine (Wittwer, deceased), and his father, Dr. Nicholas Hallick. His parents divorced when Mike was a baby, and both later remarried. His mother did not have any more children, but his father added Thomas (deceased), Pauline, and Stephen to the family.
Mike grew up in Albuquerque and was an adventurous soul. He began riding motorcycles at the age of 13 and earned his private pilot's license at 18. Mike joined the Navy but, after a very brief stint of five days, the Navy eliminated the Naval Aviation program he had enlisted in, so he left the service. After working at McDonald’s during high school, Mike accepted an opportunity, at age 19, to move to Las Vegas, NV to manage a store. It was during this time that he discovered his love for working with spreadsheets and managing finances. This newfound interest led him to leave McDonald’s and pursue a college education. Mike graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in accounting and went to work for KPMG as a tax accountant. He became very active in the New Mexico Society of CPAs, where he was elected Vice-President. Mike was asked to take a rotation in New York, NY where he taught taxation classes for KPMG. When he completed his rotation, Mike was given his choice of locations, and he moved his family to Dallas. Mike eventually left KPMG and worked for Interstate Batteries and Ryan Real Estate Group before becoming a tax partner at RSM. Mike loved his work. Mike and his first wife, Elaine, had three wonderful children: Lauren Simko (Chris), Matt (deceased), and Michael Hallick. He was blessed to be a grandfather (Grampie) to Tenley and Luke Fuston. When he married Debbie in 2015, he added three great stepsons: Chris, Jeff and Matt McEnaney and two adoring parents-in-law, Bob(deceased) and Pat Wise. He cherished his family above all else. Mike also had a deep love for animals, especially his dogs. He credited Debbie’s lab Lucky, with helping him get through his first battle with his sinus cancer.
Although his lifelong passions—riding motorcycles and flying planes—were taken away by his cancer, Mike lived life to the fullest for as long as he could. He loved to travel, often saying, "West is Best, East is Least," and he frequently visited the New Mexico mountains that held a special place in his heart. Mike and Debbie’s final trip was to the Reno area, where they visited the Carson City Mint and the National Automobile Museum (two additional interests in his life). Mike loved the Lord. He attended weekly Bible studies at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship for several years after he retired. He also studied the Book of Revelation through a Dallas Theological online class and was a member of Stonebriar Community Church. Mike lived with unwavering strength, teaching his friends and family to live life fully, no matter the circumstances. A Memorial Service will be held on March 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship Church (4141 International Parkway). In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory may be made to the UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center or Operation Kindness.
Kim Di Liegro January 30, 2025
Friend of Debbie Richardson , Texas
Prayers for strength and continued faith in God are sent to you Debbie and your family.