Michael Francis Quinlan, 74, passed away due to heart complications January 21, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michael was born September 8, 1947, in Omaha, Nebraska. In his early childhood his father, Frank Quinlan, mother, Myrl Elsasser, moved their family to New Mexico.
Michael served his country faithfully on the USS Kitty Hawk for just over 3 years as a Catapult Officer. During his time in the Navy he was honored with awards and medals for his service. Among his collection of achievements, the Navy honored Michael with a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device and Navy Unit Commendation with One Bronze Star. His memories made with the Navy were shared with his children and grandchildren on many occasions.
Family was everything to Mike. After meeting Janet in 1969, the couple began their family bringing Michelle and Ryan into the world. The many memories they made he would proudly share with all who met him. Michael was a reserved person, but once you go to know him and he felt comfortable with you there is nothing he wouldn’t do for you. He enjoyed his church friends and helping with bible study. Mike’s cat Bianca gave him many years of companionship and comfort.
During his working career in the casino industry as Chief Engineer at the Riviera Hotel you would likely see Michael riding his 10 speed to and from work also during the Corporate Challenges he helped host. Michael was instrumental in the development of Splash and the Laser Light Show and proudly took his family to the opening events. Michael was on the board of the Operating Engineers Union and advocated for the development of the apprentice program. Once he semi-retired, Michael moved to Maui where he was king of the Mai Tais at the local Mai Tai Party.
Michael shared many moments with his children that they will never forget. Michelle has many fond memories of the Saturdays they spent under a car and at the local junk yards finding the best of treasures. Ryan often thinks of the time they spent with the picnic basket at the beach and being taught the Mai Tai secrets. The two agree that their love of coffee was given to them by their well caffeinated father. Michael’s bond of coffee was so strong that he was put as #1 fan of Battlefield Brew and Black Rifle Coffee Company.
Even through Michael’s many health ups and downs, you would rarely see him without a smile on his face. All nurses and doctors who helped Michael through the years can attest to his gracious nature and were upset by his passing. He was truly one of a kind.
Michael will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his love, Janet Quinlan; children, Michelle Martin (John) and Ryan Quinlan; grandchildren, Tavis (Sierra), Wyatt, Shay, Kyler, Ally and Jaden; great grandchildren, Joannah, Ruari, Rider and Gunnar; and siblings Cathy and Eileen. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Myrl; and siblings, Mary, Colleen, Pat, Tim and Gina.
Michael’s Celebration of Life will be held at 10 am on March 9, 2022 at the Southern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery; 1900 Veteran’s Memorial Drive, Boulder City, Nevada 89005.
True to his roots, his family shares a favorite expression of Michael said often to them of Love You Much and an Irish Blessing.
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And all the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
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