Michael Rice

Michael H. Rice, age 75, passed away on May 15, 2014. Mike was a long time resident of Santa Fe, NM. During the process of his passing he was surrounded by his loving family. Mike Rice - Miguel Arroz as he sometimes called himself - led a beautiful and powerful life. Mike was born in Monahans, Texas on January 18, 1939, to his beloved mother Mildred Hudson Higgenbothem Rice and father Ernest Glenn Rice who preceded him in death. His family lived in several West Texas towns and settled in Breckenridge, Texas, where Mike was raised. He remained proud of his West Texas heritage his entire life. Mike enlisted in the Marines at 18, and a very proud one at that. He served for 6 years, stationed in Twentynine Palms, CA. Because Mike was so intelligent he was encouraged to be trained and educated as a court reporter, reporting military proceedings around the world. After the Marines he moved to New Mexico where he worked for a firm as a court reporter eventually being recruited by Judge James Scarborough to work for the 1st Judicial District Court. This began his "tense, nervous and exciting" 25 year career as a court reporter for many Judges who respected his detailed and meticulous work, retiring as one of the best in his field. Mike went on to a second career as a PGA Professional. Golf was a passion to Mike Rice and something he was incredibly gifted at, it was his love and joy. He taught, played and lived his passion for 20 + years. Mike prided himself in all he did. Mike not only had a full professional life, but he had an amazing personal life, filled with love, deep commitment, loyalty and high standards for himself and those around him. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Soledad Rice, his protective and beloved dog Dempsey, his step children Phillip Romero (Cynthia), Martha Baca (Leonard), Angela Couleur (Doug), Anna Rossiter (Rudy), and his step grandchildren, Marc and Lindsay Romero, Monique Glidden (Chris), Amanda Baca, Nikole and Erika Couleur, Kaitlin Rossiter and their children. Mike is survived by his daughters Debbie Rice Johnson (Greg), Michelle Rios Rice (Opaa Boomer), grandchildren Nathanial, Megan, Jubal, Ethan and Robert Johnson, Tanya Martinez, Michael Martinez (Melissa), and great-grandson Mason Martinez. Mike is survived by his step sister Beverly Vanghn and step brother David Browning, both from Texas. Mike lived his life fully and had a good life. He will be greatly missed and always loved. He and his way will never be forgotten, as it was legendary. He will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 9:00 am, and a Memorial will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., at The Women's Club in Santa Fe, 1616 Old Pecos Trail. This obituary is protected by copyright laws, unauthorized use or duplication is prohibited.