Michael Angelo Contreras, born Dec. 21, 1955 in Globe, Ariz., went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 6, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Graduated from Globe High School in 1974, he served in the United States Army from 1975-1978. Michael moved to the Bullhead City area in 1980 to begin a career as a highway patrolman.
Once he was asked why he thought he had what it would take to be a patrolman, the evidence was in the amazing life he led. He proudly served the Tri-state community for 37 years before retiring in April of this year.
Michael was a loving family man who was always involved with his children, their sports and activities. In the early days of his career, the law enforcement and fire department families spent almost every weekend together as a large, loving family. Michael enjoyed taking his family to his hometown of Globe so they could be a part of his extremely large, extended family.
Although numerous, Michael managed to stay connected to all those he loved. There are many loving traits that Michael passed to his family, but two of them are the strongest:
1. Never leave your home or go to sleep without telling your family, “I love you.”
2. Always where your seatbelt.
His father was Richard Contreras (deceased) and grandparents Emelia and Juan Contreras (both deceased). His immediate siblings are Linda (Philip) Clark, Irene Contreras, Al (Robin) Lopez, Korey (Jim) Sloan, and Cathy Contreras. He was close to his sister Irene as they supported each other through difficult times. When he met his brother Al in the fifth grade, he said “I’m your brother.” Afterwards, they maintained a relationship and were close until Michael’s passing.
Michael was loved by his aunt Millie Herrera, whom he called “Mom.” He grew up with Barbara Herrera, and they remained close. While he lived elsewhere, he would come to visit and enjoy her cheese boats. He also grew up with his close cousins: Mark Escobedo and Joe Ray Ortega. His aunt Connie Ortega was always ready to feed him. He treasured his aunt Esther Sifuentes, who always remembered to call him on his birthday. His aunt Virginia Canizales always had so much love to give him. There are numerous cousins, nieces and nephews whom will dearly miss him. His four children were alongside him with their mother Kathy and his nephew, Travis.
The loves of his life are his children, Erik Ray, Aaron Richard, Brandon Michael, Kristin Darla and Michael Angelo Contreras, Jr.; his grandchildren, Sean Michael, Serenity Kathleen, Ethan Brandon, Brodie Joseph, Keira Kristen, Aaron Vincent, Nolan Reed, Evan Anthony, Brinkley Quinn and Abbey Nichole.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Michael will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018 at Mojave High School Auditorium 2251 Hwy. 95, Bullhead City, Ariz.
