Michael Dwayne Bolinger
Michael Dwayne Bolinger, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at his home from complications due to brain cancer.
Mike was born on February 18, 1966, in Bakersfield, California. After graduating with honors from Highland High School, Mike attended the University of California at Berkeley where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and as a member of the Acacia Fraternity. He continued his education, receiving his Master’s Degree with honors from California State University Sacramento in 1993 where he was a Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society member.
After working as a contract specialist for the Department of Defense, Mike began his law enforcement career as a Secret Service Special Agent in 2002. In 2011 Mike went to work for the Bureau of Land Management allowing him more time with his family.
An avid hunter, outdoorsman, and a black belt holder in Kempo Karate, Mike’s dedication to maintaining peak physical condition assisted him in fighting his disease for a year and a half.
Mike is remembered by his loving wife Kelley; his children Bryce 17 and Berkeley 9; parents Dwayne and Mary Bolinger; sister Sheri Eckard and her family; in-laws, friends and co-workers from around the country and faithful dogs Leo and Hannah. Mike is predeceased in death by grandparents Calvin and June Bolinger and Harold and Jewel Wilson.
“The courageous man is the man who forces himself, in spite of his fear, to carry on.”
G. Patton
“I can’t be a cowboy when I cry because I can’t see my guns.”
Michael D. Bolinger age 2 ½
A memorial service will be held at the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, Friday, June 14, 2013, at 6:15 pm. A reception will immediately follow at the same location. Arrangements are being provided by La Paloma Funeral Services.
The Bolinger Family wishes to express their sincerest thanks to all of those who gave their generous personal, emotional, spiritual and financial support during Mike’s long battle, many of whom Mike had never even met.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Center “in memory of” Michael Bolinger.