R. Michael Houlahan
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February 23, 1954 – October 19, 2020
Born in Santa Barbara, CA to John “Chic” Houlahan and Edna Woodward, Michael Houlahan lived in Southern California for over 50 years. He joined the U.S. Navy just shy of his 18th birthday and served for six years during the Vietnam War era. He was proud of his service as an Air Traffic Controller Petty Officer 1st Class and his National Defense Award. He later graduated with honors from Loyola Marymount University and helped to shape many young careers during his time at United Presort. He moved to Kansas City, MO in 2008 where he established QED Wine Purveyors, which specialized in the distribution of boutique wines, and co-founded DDM Venture, LLC, a business consulting firm. Michael was a voracious reader and a genuine film buff. He loved great wine, ribeye steaks, college football and Thanksgiving. He had the largest capacity and appreciation for music from classical and rock and roll to the blues. Seeing the Rolling Stones and Pavarotti in person were among his most treasured memories.
Michael is survived by many friends around the world who will miss his big heart, his keen sense of humor and his incredible memory, which gave him an unfair advantage in any card or trivia game. Michael will be laid to rest on Friday, December 4 at 3:00 PM with full military honors at Higginsville Veterans Cemetery located at 20109 Business Hwy 13, in Higginsville, MO. You are invited to leave your thoughts at https://heartlandcremation.com/obituary.
Sorry we didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, Houlee. You left us too soon. You will be remembered, along with all the good times we shared.
We will miss your hearty laugh Michael! Along with your (sometimes), bad jokes, your love of a good red wine, appreciation for a rib eye cooked just so. We think of you often and you will stay in our hearts always. Goody bye, good friend!
xxoo,
Me & Lonny
Well Michael, I am picturing you right now, alongside Bri, sharing a Mai Tai and laughs. So many memories of the four of us enjoying our trips to Hawaii, Santa Barbara, Sonoma et al. Remembering USC games, Christmas parties and too many card games to count. You made us laugh and you loved our boys. Thank you for your friendship, I am missing your bear hugs too. By the way, Mary Anne and I always outplayed you and Bri at cards…
Forever love,
Sue Cerini
Michael – We shared a lot of good times back in the day and even though we lost touch over the past 30 years, you will always stand out in my mind and heart. Take care Brother.
We’ll always have 510 D Ave…
Love ya – Ship
Houli, you were bigger than life to me. Our days at United Presort were some of the best days of my life. I learned so much about life from you. It seems like you knew a little something about EVERYTHING. I so loved being considered your “little brother TR”. I will remember your words of wisdom (i.e. musical quotes) “The futures uncertain and the end is always near”. RIP my lovely friend. I know you are holding the best gatherings. Pouring the best wine. Smoking the best cigars and making every angel around you feel like they just got in to thee best party!! Peace?
I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss. I lost touch with everyone from back in the days of The Navy. Mike was my mentor and friend from the old Facsfac days. He will be missed. If someone reads this would you mind emailing me with more information. Thank You
One of my mentors at the begging of my career in the Mail Industry. Great times at United Presort. We will get together some time…….