On March 31, 2025, the Steamboat Springs, Colorado, community and the George Washington University lost a remarkable man, Mike Holloran, who passed away at age 66.
His death, following the passing of his beloved wife Suzy in July 2024, leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched.
Mike Holloran was born on June 12, 1958, in Washington, D.C., to Betty and James Holloran.
Growing up in the nation’s capital, Mike attended Gonzaga High School, where his athletic talents and academic promise began to shine.
In 1962, he enrolled at George Washington University in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, majoring in Psychology.
At GW, Mike’s competitive spirit and dedication to excellence made him a standout both on the field and in the classroom.
Mike was a rare two-sport athlete at GW, excelling in baseball and football for the Buff & Blue.
His senior year in 1966 was particularly remarkable. Mike’s .368 batting average on the baseball diamond was the highest on the GW team and fourth in the Southern Conference.
His skill and consistency earned him All-Southern Conference Baseball Team honors in 1965 and 1966. Off the field, his academic excellence led to a spot on the Southern Conference Academic Team in 1965.
On the football field, Mike was equally impressive as a tailback. In 1965, he rushed for 720 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, earning the Tuffy Leemans Trophy as GW’s outstanding senior football player.
His performance earned him a spot in the All-Southern Conference backfield and an Honorable Mention All-American nod from the Associated Press.
The Washington Touchdown Club also recognized him as the Outstanding Collegiate Football Player in the DMV area, cementing his status as a local legend.
Mike’s athletic achievements culminated in his induction into GW’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1987.
He became only the 10th baseball player and one of 30 football players in GW history to receive this prestigious honor.
His time in Foggy Bottom laid the foundation for a life of discipline, leadership, and service.
After earning his Psychology degree in 1966, Mike remained at GW to pursue a law degree, graduating from GW’s Law School in 1969.
In 1970, he moved to Colorado to begin his legal career. He worked briefly in Denver before settling in Steamboat Springs in 1972, where he established a law practice that spanned over 50 years.
Mike’s practice became a cornerstone of the Steamboat community, where he provided legal guidance and support to countless individuals and families.
Mike supported local institutions like the school district and library, earning respect for his community service.
Mike’s Personal Life Was Equally Rich And Fulfilling With His Wife, Suzy, By His Side
In Steamboat Springs, he met Susanne (Suzy) Holloran on a blind date, sparking a love story that would last 50 years. Suzy, a talented artist and community advocate, had a remarkable journey.
She studied abroad, worked for Pan Am Airlines, and was previously married to Myke Baar, a United Airlines pilot who tragically died in a plane crash near Nederland, Colorado, in 1971.
As a single mother to three young children—Matt, Katie, and Myke—Suzy’s strength and resilience shone through.
Mike and Suzy married in 1973 in Georgetown, Colorado. Mike adopted Suzy’s three children as his own, and the couple welcomed two more children, Greg and Becky, creating a lively and loving household of five.
Mike was a devoted father, instilling in his children his hardworking spirit and passion for life.
The family grew to include 10 grandchildren, whom Mike adored and playfully called “Pop Pop.”
Suzy was a vibrant force in Steamboat’s art and education communities. Her artwork, often depicting Colorado’s wildlife and landscapes, was featured in local art shows.
A passionate advocate for young girls, she championed the Girls on the Run program.
Later in life, Suzy earned a master’s degree in Art Therapy from Pratt Institute and worked with Horizons, Respite House, and schools in south Routt, bringing creativity and compassion to her community.
Tragically, Suzy passed away on July 9, 2024, at 80, leaving behind a legacy of artistry and service.
Mike and Suzy’s adventurous spirit led them to purchase part of the old Werner place on the south side of Steamboat Springs, where they embarked on a new chapter as ranchers.
The ranch became a labor of love, where they raised their children and built a life rooted in the land.
Mike embraced the challenges of ranching, becoming an accomplished horseman, cattleman, and hay grower. The ranch was more than a home—it reflected Mike and Suzy’s shared values of hard work, family, and connection to nature.
Mike Holloran inspired those around him through integrity and determination. He shared 50 years of love with his wife, Suzy, and was a guiding father and playful grandfather to his children and ten grandchildren.
His legacy includes a lasting impact on the Steamboat community and countless lives he touched..
Mike’s family will hold a memorial at the ranch (33820 US Hwy 131, Steamboat Springs) on June 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
In place of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bud Werner Memorial Library, a cause close to Mike’s heart.
They also encourage everyone to take a moment to pet a dog or marvel at the beauty of the Yampa River valley, a simple tribute to Mike’s love for life’s small joys.
Mike Holloran’s death marks the end of an extraordinary life, but his impact endures.
