Michael Hanrahan Obituary

My Michael was always a free Spirit from the time he walked at 9 months old, he was rushing about trying to find things to get into, which he always did. To keep him occupied I would just open my cupboards and let him play with all the pots and pans. He would use them for drums or I would let him stir up things like rice or cereal, he would then put them in pans and then we would put them in the cold oven to bake. As he got older, we went to bigger and better things, like making pies. He learned to count by picking out the amount of apples needed, sugar, flout etc. At the age of 7, he could make better crust then I could. He was on his way.
He went on to be a fine son, a family man and a super Dad. As you all know he sure fix up some good food. I hear, he was a great skier ( he told me )
Some of his best traits were, he would give you what he had if you needed it,he would check on you to see how things were going.He always made you laugh and he was able to laugh at himself. He was a hard worker and a hard player. I loved him as only a mother can love... I just can not fathom my life with out him.
Michael's Mom

Michael was my brother-in-law and I think he liked getting two "sisters" through his marriage to Nancy. We often scheduled our trips to visit my parents in Florida for the same time so that we could visit, but more importantly, so that our children could get a chance to be together. Michael was a great person to travel with - always planning activities and ready to go. And as "Uncle Mike" to my son Henry, he couldn't have been better. From letting Henry drive the popular rented convertible around the parking lot to letting him win (just barely) their swimming races, he made a lot of great memories. In our family, Henry was famous for his picky eating habits, but from an early age he always made an exception for anything that was made by Uncle Mike (which, of course, we could never replicate!).

We miss him greatly and think of him often and are very glad that he was in our family.

Mike was a fantastic friend. I will miss him greatly. He openly gave us an optimistic view and joyous approach to life - which was offered to everyone he met in this sometimes dim world. I wish I could have done more for Mike and his family and enjoyed a few extra, precious hours in his company.
I knew Mike for over forty years, we “grew up” in the same schools; and we spent many, many hours of adult life together. To me Mike was a benevolent rascal and a generous soul, a comrade in life’s diversions and a companion on the slopes and in the clubs, an understanding employer and an enthusiastic employee. But most of all, he was honest and close and loyal - everything one would want in a true friend.
Mike taught me a myriad of things . . . more than he probably knew about. Of course, the techniques, recipes, and food knowledge he shared were the most obvious. I had the pleasure of working with Mike in many Colorado kitchens. Country clubs, fish markets, resort town restaurants, hotels, commissaries and catering were the sources of many culinary adventures and journeys that we took together.
More importantly, Mike imparted subtle lessons about living and enjoying life. He had a cheerful outlook, a wry sense of humor, and a ready laugh. Though probably everyone has a less-than-sunny disposition at times, Mike rarely revealed this part of his personality to his friends. Mike’s essential character, that upon which we should all reflect and recall, was one of a purely carefree and happy person. He embraced the good in life and the uplifting experiences that it presented to him; and in his own way, he dealt with the less pleasant things were thrown at him.
Mike loved his family deeply and profoundly, and he wanted to live every day for them with a vigor and a fervor. His demise was tragic - a progression wrought by an heartfelt embrace for living fully. In the end, his passions burned too strongly, and the mortal frame that carried him simply could not keep up. Perhaps the love he had for his children overcame his inner strength and taxed his endurance, bringing him to an early and abrupt end.
He had a good life, full of excitement and wonderful experiences. He has left us with lasting, rich memories to appreciate. We will always remember you, Michael Edward Hanrahan.

Mike was much more than my bother-in-law he was one of my best friend's. We did alot of things together from sking to golf, especially golf. We played in alot of golf tornaments together,we never won any but did we ever have a great time. Mike had a great sense of humor that was a little different then most people.He was a very funny person. Mike was a GOOD DAD he found the time to be there when something was going on.I wish that things could have ended differently because Mike should still be here.I loved Mike and I miss him.

I remember Mike when he lived in Lefthand canyon. He was still in High school then. It seems like yesterday. In snow storms his car would break down someone would end up getting him home. I also went to his culinary school graduation in New York. I remember visiting Nancey's parents there. I also remember skiing with him Vail. It was a great time. Boy did he party. We will miss you very much

Mike, I remember the appartment in Pittsburgh when we were very young, maybe 5 or 6. But When we had the reunion in 1976 It was like we'd know each other all or lives. We camped out at Kinzua Dam at the site called Dewdrop. We spent the whole week together and partying like it was New Years Eve. There was no dought we were related. We shared our short life stories and didn't really look to the future. We just had the right now and what a week we had. Some would say stealing my brother in-laws boat capped off and incredable week but reconecting was the best. Then we went our separate ways and I didn't see you till your wedding week-end. It was awsome to see you again and what you had grown into. Although it was a quick weekend we did pick right up where we left off. You were so much fun to hang with. Never a dull moment. I guess that could be said of several of our Family members. My biggest regret is not staying touch. I will always tell our stories and I'll never forget you. God willing I'll see you in Heaven and I'll bug the hell out of ya!

Love
Your Cousin Dave

Today is my Birthday Feb.7 1943, I am taking this time because I've been puting it off for a while, now is the time.
First off Ruth and I would like to thank you all for coming here to help us celebrate Michael's life as well as mourn his death.
Michael's plate always seemed to be full. He didn't sit still for long periods of time, always a bit wound up, and ready to get to the next anything. When he put his mind to it he had to be one of the hardest working men I've ever known. When he played he played hard. Skiing was one of his fun passions, a die hard Bronco fan who could not control his love and fun for the game, ask Jamee or Torey about that, Saturday's could get a bit crazy at there house. During season, if the Bronco were wining look out anything could happen. Michael loved his family very much, I don't think there's anything he wouldn't do, or sacrifice for them. To his friends who are many, there was always wonderment as to what Michael might do or say at any given moment. God he could make you laugh at some of the nutty things he did or said. We will all miss you Michael. I like to picture Michael on his final journey as a shooting star looking for the edge of the universe. God speed to you, and a safe journey home Michael. We always will love you. Dad

I will never forget Mike's sense of humor. He was always Happy when we got together. I can picture his smile, with his hand on his hip, laughing, telling tales of great skiing or of how proud he was of his children. Although I've known Mike for 30 years, it seems like such a short time. I'm a better person for knowing Mike and he will always be in my heart.

I am so grateful to have met my friend Mike in 1976 in Glenwood Springs. He and I became fast friends. Our friendship has lasted for 32 years. In our younger years Mike created amazing food for my family in California, showed me the "ropes" at Aspen Highlands when packing slopes with the ski patrol, and even helped to build a fence for my brother in Colorado Springs, making every one of these things more fun that I would have imagined. Between Mike and I, I have experienced compassion, care, honesty, humor and honest love for a friend. I will forever miss Mike here on earth and am grateful for our many conversations over his last months here. I wish I could have done more for Mike but am reassured that he feels my love for him as I do his. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gift of Mike.

I have many fond memories of my nephew Michael. He spent part of a summer with our family in Lafayette Ca. when he was about 12. He liked experimenting in the kitchen, making snacks and lunch for his cousins. He somtimes came up with some wierd combinations. Even back then it showed that he would have his own unique culinary way, preparing for the future to be one of a kind chef. Thanks Ruth and John for sharing him with us. Andy and Louise

I was so sad to learn of Mike's death. I knew Mike when we were kids and got to know him better when we worked together one summer in high school. He was always fun and always a friend and he was nice to people.

Karla and I have known Mike for most of his life. We have many fond memories of him growing up. We will miss him.

While we have not seen Mike in so many years, we will never forget his quirky sense of humor, his wit and sweet smile. The world was a better place with Mike in it and we willl miss his presence.

We were greatly saddened to hear of Mike's passing. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Michael was a wonderful and generous person who was a joy to be around. His laugh was infectious and watching him work in the kitchen was hypnotic. I will miss him so much.

I am glad for a good memory of my cousin, Mike, and his family at our family reunion in New Mexico in 2006. Other memories include asking him to take out the rocks in my van's hubcabs on my wedding day (1979). He did this for me even though he had put them in. I also remember enjoying a mud fight in the creek by my home in California when we were 11 and 14 and how I talked him into letting me trim his hair on a visit to Colorado.
I wish there would have been more time to get to know him more as an adult.

Mike did indeed have a unique sense of humor, and I remember the indications of his later greatness as a chef when he would make his Mother's friends potato candy at about age twelve in Gold Hill.

I was so saddened to learn of Michael's death. My sympathy to his family, especially his dear children. We had such a good time at the family reunion at his parents home in New Mexico in 2006. He will be missed.

Exceptional chef, skiier and incredible sense of humor. We've known Mike for 40 years and he will be missed.....

Raising and living with our son, Michael was a great adventure. Mike was always surprising us. Some Good, Some Bad, Some Funny. Mike had our unconditional love. Mike was a wonderful and loving Father to Torey and Jamee, Our Grandchildren. We miss him so much, Love you Forever, Mom and Dad