Valentine Michael Kolar

Val was born to Czechoslovakian immigrants in Detroit, in a tight-knit Slovakian community March 9, 1929, at the start of the Great Depression. He left Michigan after graduating from St. Cyril's Catholic school to attended North Texas State University. There, he helped pioneer the first program offering a degree in Jazz music. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Army Band. He was an accomplished musician and vocalist, playing stand-up bass and traveling the world with legendary jazz bands of the 1950's and 60's, including Harry James, Stan Kenton, Si Zentner and Johnny Mathis, among others.

Val and his family moved to Las Vegas in 1974. He was a teacher with CCSD for 18 years, retiring in 1993. After retirement, he attended UNLV and trained as an actor in the senior adult theater, performing in many productions, most recently "The Music Man". He also appeared as an extra in several movies. He was a member of the Las Vegas Musician's Union and the Society of Singers.

Val had a zest for life, and his life was rich with music and song. He brought joy to those around him with his singing, storytelling, and infectious good cheer. He was the life of any gathering. He was a doting father and grandfather, and he will always be loved and adored by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Laura Andersen; his grandchildren, Cody and Haley Andersen, of Henderson; his brother, Andrew Kolar, of Toledo, Ohio; his sister, Margaret Addesso, of Ontario, Canada; and countless nieces and nephews in Michigan.

Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 130 No. Pecos Road in Henderson. Graveside services to follow at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1900 Buchanan Boulevard in Boulder City. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Nathan Adelson Hospice, 4141 Swenson Street, Las Vegas, NV 89119.