MIKE BORCHERS

1932 - 2014

MIKE BORCHERS Mike Borchers, age 81, of Las Vegas, passed away unexpectedly at 1:14 p.m. April 14, 2014, due to a bleeding gastrointestinal ulcer. He was born July 9, 1932, to German immigrants, Adolf and Gertrude (nee Hoernig) Borchers in Chicago. At an early age, he sold newspapers on a cold windy corner in Chicago. At age 13, he went to work on a farm in Hinkley, Ill. He joined the U.S. Marines Corps at age 21. After being stationed in Florida, he decided to stay there for 10 more years, working as a mail and milkman. He was introduced to dog racing there and vowed to, someday, have his own kennel. He loved gambling and in 1963, moved to Las Vegas for that reason. He worked as a security guard at several hotels and casinos, where he met many famous people. He wanted to be in business and found a start at Oliver Twist Fish and Chips, where he learned many valuable lessons. After three years, he decided to close and went to work dealing at several casinos, spending 10 years at the Showboat Hotel. The moment he heard of a dog track opening in Henderson, he began breeding, raising and training greyhound dogs for the grand opening in 1981. Unfortunately, the track only lasted 11 months, however, they continued to breed, raise and train the greyhounds for a few more years. In 1982, he and his beloved wife, Chris, decided to have social parties in their home. They soon became legendary and world renowned as the Red Rooster. Sam's Town Hotel and Casino opened in 1985 and he began spending every day there betting on the dogs and horses. Since he was a seemingly permanent fixture there, Sam's gave him his very own seat with his name on it! In 1997, he, his wife and stepchildren built and opened Red Rooster Mini Storage and Red Rooster Office Warehouse. He was very well-known and loved by many who graced his space and he, in turn, knew and loved many. He was very astute in business and an entrepreneur, who had a very giving and generous way about him. He would help anyone who asked him and always helped those less fortunate. Even though he had a somewhat tough exterior, he was a big softie inside. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Jean. He is survived by his wife, Chris; five children, Twylah Lee Michaels, David Allen (Sandy), Mike Sterling (Anja), Randal Keith (Noelle), and Melody Lynn Green; five stepchildren, Brian, Melanie, Cynthia Triguba, Lisa and Garold Beck; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews; and countless cherished friends. Visitation and viewing will be from 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, April 22, with services following, both at Davis Funeral Home, 6200 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas. We will have an open mike during the service for those who wish to share.