Michael Hugh Small

Born in Santa Rosa, California, he was the son of John Dennis Small and the late Francis Patricia Small. Michael graduated in 1971 from Bishop Manogue Catholic High School in Reno, Nevada. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno and Gonzaga University. After graduating from high school, he apprenticed as a baker at Harvey's Casino Hotel in South Lake Tahoe, quickly becoming a talented and professional pastry and cake decorator. The gifts of his artistic talents led him to becoming a well-known ice carver who could produce any request from a single block of ice. Many conventions, weddings, and other celebrations throughout Northern Nevada were punctuated by the beautiful figures extracted from the ice by his gifted hands. When asked how he did it, he said, “I look at the ice and see the figure. Then I carve off everything that doesn’t belong until the final piece appears.”

The thrill of adventure was a constant beckoning for Michael, and he answered the call again and again. After graduating high school, he visited Hawaii, where he fell in love with the beauty and spirit of the islands, returning multiple times throughout his life. Much to the dismay of his parents, he spent many months hitchhiking across the US with his buddies, exploring nature and unique cultures, getting to know the locals everywhere he went. Skiing was a lifelong passion for Michael, and he became very skilled at the sport, sharing his knowledge and inspiring his friends and relatives to join him on the mountain for a guaranteed fun time. His boisterous hooting and hollering while carving turns down the runs, many times dressed in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt, brought cheers and laughter to the slopes. Michael had a tough time keeping his feet on the ground and took up the sport of hang gliding during his 20s and 30s.

He took flight up and down the California coast, Northern Nevada mountains, and anywhere the winds would take him. Floating freely among the clouds, birds by his side, brought immeasurable joy and peace to his soul. Michael had a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world, leading him to find his home in Estes Park, Colorado surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. He was the owner of Estes Park Color and was a talented, successful house painter always feeling grateful to be living and working surrounded by the beauty of the National Park. He was an avid fisherman and never missed a chance to get his line in the water, always on the hunt for the perfect hole that just might deliver a whopper. His elaborate tall tales of his fishing adventures were shared frequently with anyone who would listen.

Michael never married, but shared his love freely with everyone he met, worked for, and befriended. Michael entertained all who knew him through his gift of storytelling, often leaving his audience in fits of laughter. A keen sense of humor was woven into every life challenge or celebration and remained with him until his departure from this life. Friends became his family, and he was blessed with too many to count. Many nieces and nephews were the benefactors of his love, guidance, and joyful playfulness. To each, he was the “Funcle” (like a dad only cooler), and they will carry the memory of his contagious spirit and positive influence with them throughout their lives. Every kid should be fortunate enough to have an “Uncle Mikey.” His friends and family will deeply miss his colorful presence that lit up the room and turned every occasion into a lively affair.

Michael was a deeply spiritual man who shared his faith with others and lived the message of the gospels every day. He felt deep compassion for those with difficult lives, especially the elderly, disabled, and abused or neglected children. His generosity in giving of himself and his resources to children and adults with special needs, helping the elderly, visiting the sick and dying, giving to the foodbank, and volunteering his time throughout his life, left him to die a financially poor man. The reality is, he died with enormous spiritual wealth, a result of his selfless giving right up until his last day.

Michael is survived by his father, Dennis Small, Dennis’s wife Nina, his siblings, Betsy Small, Patsy Kerr (Scott), Lorrie Cordain (Loren), Theresa Mathieson (Todd), Mary Scott (Tom), Veronica Hoffman, and Dennis Small, 20 nieces and nephews and their spouses and children, and his many friends whom he considered and cherished as family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pat Small.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Jeanine Nabors, whose loving care for Michael made it possible for him to stay in his home in Estes Park while battling cancer. A special thanks to the Pathways Hospice team who supported and cared for Michael in his final days.

A celebration of life will be held September 23rd at Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Carson City, Nevada. Recitation of the rosary will begin at 10:30 AM followed by a memorial mass at 11:00 AM. A reception in Chartz Hall will follow. In honor of Michael’s wishes, friends and family attending are asked to dress in colorful and/or Hawaiian themed attire. Memorial contributions in Michael’s memory can be made to The Larimer County Food Bank or CASA of Larimer County.