Michael Kirikos

10/31/1942 - 10/08/2021

Obituary For Michael Kirikos

Michael Kirikos, 78, died on Friday, October 8, 2021 at Mountain View Regional Medical Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Michael was born on October 31, 1942 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to William “Bill” Kirikos and the former Georgia Capels. He graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1960 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he trained as an Army Medic and served in the Army Reserves for 6 years. He was a graduate of Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science and returned to Albuquerque, working for French Mortuary for many years. He moved to Truth or Consequences in 1976 purchasing and becoming the owner of French Mortuary of T or C, Inc. (Kirikos Family Funeral Home, Inc. as of 2004) until his recent retirement.

He was a former member of the Bethesda Lodge No 64 A.F.&A.M.; the T or C Lion’s Club; as well as serving on the Sierra Vista Hospital Board and FIESTA, Inc. for many years. He loved his work and was passionate about the community that welcomed his family to serve their families. He was most content sitting in his backyard, feeding the birds and watching the grass grow.

Michael was proud of his daughter, who did everything right, and his son who followed in his footsteps. Michael leaves behind his wife, Carol (Arvas); daughter, April Cross; son, William “Bill” Kirikos; his brother, Christ W. Kirikos; sister, Maria Post; many nieces and nephews; and cousins – Bill Capels, Gus Capels, Richard Auld and Jim Bruskas. He will also be missed by his staff, Doris, Rebecca and Alan who he enjoyed sharing life experiences with each morning at the staff meeting; Cemetery Crew - Placido and Santiago who all were his best friends as well; and Bookkeeper, Eileen Miller, who taught him the modern way of bookkeeping.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Georgia Kirikos; a brother, Gus Kirikos; a sister, Irene Harte; two uncles, Bill Kirikos and William Capels and two nieces, Lisa and Allyson.

Services will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Dudley Bristow officiating and Eulogy by Mark Filosa.

Private Interment will be held in the Hot Springs Cemetery.

Michael was a supporter of many charities, in lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the New Mexico State Veterans Home Patient Fund or to your favorite charity.



Guest Book

Carol,Biiy and April, I just heard about Mike's passing! I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am!!! He was a fantastic friend!!! He and your entire family have always treated me as part or your family!!! He was such a blessing to me!!! God Bless you all!!!!

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Such a kind and gentle man.

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One of the neatest people, finest funeral directors and fun individuals I have ever known! Mike was gracious, intelligent, quick and great with people. So admire this gentleman and his family. Saw and talked to him from time to time and always felt so comfortable with Mike. Can't imagine how much he must be missed. Blessings to you Carol and your beautiful children and family. Rick Stewart

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My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Although it has been many years, the memories with my mom and dad will always be treasured. Heather Smith. ( Jay and Lillian's daughter)

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My thoughts and prayers are with you Carol, Bill and April. Mike was truly my friend, as he was to so many. I spoke to him by phone on Sept. 16th and it was just as if we'd spoken the day before, though I moved from NM 16 years ago. I am shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. Bill, I am so pleased that you are continuing the legacy. My God continue to bless and keep you all! Bob Schaaf

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Michael was always so welcoming and truly dedicated to serving families. He will be missed. Our love and prayers go out to the Kirikos family. Harry Antram | Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Cemeteries & Funeral Homes

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Sending love and prayers to Carol and family. Mike was a beautiful man with integrity and faith. We will miss him. God speed. Tommy and Sandy Morrow and family

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RIP Mike you will be missed so much. Condolences to family God be with all of you Josie Ball and family & the Candelaria families

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Mike you will be missed by so many, such a caring soul you made every family feel so very special. We love you RIP

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Michael was always so welcoming to professionals across our State. He would call regularly to chat about hiring and changes in our profession. I enjoyed his booming voice and personality and will miss him. He was a true gentleman. I know his family legacy will continue to live on. Tom Antram, French Funerals-Cremations.

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Dear Ones, I worked with Maria Kirikos at X-Ray Associates in the 1970's and she would speak so highly of her kind brother, Michael. So sorry for your loss. Peace Of Christ Be With You. Julie Balduini Martin

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Mike was such a good person and I was very fond of him. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to all of his family. Sandra Keith (El Paso, Tx)J

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Michael was always so kind to young funeral professionals in our State. He was a great ambassador for the right way to care for families. His legacy lives on with his family firm. He will be greatly missed.

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We were shocked and so very sad to hear of Mike's passing. He brought so much to our community and will be truly missed. He always had a smile and something funny and many time profound to say. Blessings to Carol, Bill and April

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Sorry to learn of your loss of Michael, Carol, April and Bill. Since our first meeting on our first day of school at Dallas Institute, we have many good memories of Mike. We have enjoyed meeting and visiting all of these years. May the Lord bless you. Ray and Martha Hackney

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I remember Mike as a fun loving person who always had a dry sense of humor. Whenever I was in the office he would always qualify a comment with "I'm just joking". He was a professional in everything he did. Carol my deepest sympathy to you, Bill and April. He is always with you

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When Michael was a boy he would spend the summers with us. My mother, who was his Godmother, would confuse his name with the name of our dog. Our dog was named after Smokey Bear. The last time Michael called us, he left a message saying that Smokey was calling. Love you and miss you my dear "brother", Tina

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We are so blessed to have shared great memories, conversations & drinks with Mr Kirikos. Prayers to Mrs. Kirikos, Bill & the rest of the family. Thank you for being our friend! We will miss you. Love- Belle, Jason, Brooklynn & Ashton

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Mike was always, without fail, courteous and helpful. Mike and I did countless Masonic services and, when it was time for our family, we could not have had better care. A sincere, good man. Our deepest condolences, Dennis and Barb Anderson

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My prayers of Peace for Carol and the entire family. Mike was loved by many and I always enjoyed talking with him. A kind and gentle soul who is at rest in the presence of Jesus. Bill Kohler

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Mr. Kirikos was so kind and helpful when both my parents passed away. So sad to hear he has passed. Prayers to the family. Sue Evans Elliott

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I am so shocked and grieve for your loss. Michael was a wonderful and caring person. He helped me through the many deaths in my family for the past many years. You will be sorely missed Mike. My deepest condolences to his family and friends....Karen Rix

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Michael gave me my first job in Funeral Service in NM 40 years ago this month. He was my mentor and coach and taught me so many wonderful things about caring for others. All my love to Carol, April and Billy. Paul Layer

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SO LONG MIKE ...KEN...........

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I am so grateful for the opportunity to have known you. My condolences to you Carol and your family. May you find the peace that passes all understanding and comfort from our Lord at the loss of your loved one. Karen Thompson

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Our family will miss you my friend! We have shared so much, enjoyed you and felt like a part of your family as you accepted us and made us feel important in your lives. Carol, April and Bill we grieve with you! Our love, Mike and Janel Ryan and Jeremy Hines

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Carol and family, We are sorry to hear of your loss. Phil and Kathy Lockhart

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Kirikos Family Funeral Home, Inc | Truth or Consequences, NM