Mark Bidwell
Friend and Business Associate
I met Michael through Rio Grande Title Company. Our family owned and ran the agency. From the first time we met, I was a title searcher then, Michael was friendly and genuinely interested in me and we became friends. Throughout our careers we interacted regularly through civic organizations and business. Later we both served on the St. Joseph hospital foundation board. He was always willing and able to help anyone or anything he was involved with. His abilities made him a highly sought after participant in business and community engagement. A kind gentle professional in all aspects of his life. He will be greatly missed.

Alan C. Rose
Business, Fishing/Hunting, Friend
I first met Mike in 1978, I think, when I was working as a paid intern for Touche Ross Accountants in their audit department. At that time they were providing the audit of the original Realty Mortgage and Investment Company for the purchase of that company by Mike Kelly. I was just a flunkie doing what the primary auditors asked of me. For the month I was there, part time, Mike was always interested in what I was thinking and doing for my future after college. I had the luxury of being able to talk to a very experienced business person at any time. The advice I received from Mike was extremely valuable. Approximately 5 years later as I was in the last semester of my Graduate studies in Economics, I contacted Mike at RMIC and asked if he had time to meet with me to get some more guidance from him for my business future. He was so generous with his time and I felt he was truly interested in my future. About two weeks later I received a hand written letter in the mail by Mike were he offered me a full time job as a Commercial Mortgage Banker trainee at $12,000 per year with bonuses. I was over the moon surprised. Many years later Mike approached me about merging my company with another Mortgage company were he and I would run the Commercial side of the company. Subsequently, a year later Mike decided to re-incorperate the RMIC name and he and I went out on our own. I will always remember Mike as a caring and compassionate person. Mike Kelly gave me my start in the Mortgage business which I have been in for 40 years. God speed Mike.

James Martin Murphy
Business
I will miss Mike. He was a great friend and business partner. Mike knew how to put on a party. The Q10 Capital crowd often gave Mike an unlimited budget to plan business meetings and he always exceeded the budget. Mike was always positive about life and generous to a fault. One of my favorite memories about Mike was walking through the lobby of the St. Francis hotel. He stopped every service person in the lobby and had me tip them. I didn't walk through another lobby with him in the 30+ years I knew him. Mike, I'll pray for your soul and will miss hearing your voice!

Bob Stout
Business, Friend
Mike and I first met over 30 years ago when I was selling loan servicing software and Realty Mortgage became a client. His personality was truly larger than life. Years later Mike was one of the partners and board members who hired me as CEO of Q10 Capital. He was always the best dressed at our many board meetings, golf outings and dinners! Over the years we developed a deep friendship often spending hours at dinners talking about life and family. His generosity was abundant. When he found out I was involved with a non profit doing orphan advocacy work in China he was one of my most generous partners. I’ll miss his positive spirit and warm smile most of all

John and Melissa Ceriale
Friend
Mike Kelly was a fixture in our lives for a long, long time! It was wonderful to know this man, to know Ida and to watch Robert & Channing grow up. We brought Jane into his life along with their "children" Reggie & Lily! There were good times and struggles but, in the end, all of our lives have been enriched by the entire Kelly Clan. We love you all, dearly.

Henry J. Schwendiman
Business, Friend
Mike Kelly was one of my heroes! I considered him a friend. He always brought a smile to my face in business meetings or any other interaction. He will be deeply missed, but I know we will meet again some day.

Jane Dillon
Family
Michael and I lived fifteen years together in New Mexico and Connecticut. He introduced me to his lovely family, fine friends, and talented colleagues. I had a rich, absorbing, and challenging life with Michael. I learned generosity, adaptability and tenacity.

Together we renovated and shared two beautiful homes in the Albuquerque Country Club neighborhood. Michael had great taste and a great enthusiasm in undertaking projects in the home and the garden. He was the perfect partner/client for a designer, builder, or landscaper. He was a generous, proud, and hospitable man. He lived a big life. My love to all the Kellys.

G. Mark Yarbrough
Church, Family, Friend, Fishing/Hunting
I (we) first met Mike and Ida in 1975--wow 50 years ago--at A Childs Garden (part of First Presbyterian Church where our kids started preschool.) Their children and ours were friends; hence the four of us became friends. Fast forward to 2025, the four of us are still friends; however, what occurred between is a lifetime story. I'll offer some thoughts. Mike was a "best" friend, and he felt much like a brother I didn't have. The first real bonding came in 1977 when four men (all with children in Childs Garden) went to our cabin in Sapello, New Mexico deer hunting. I knew then Mike was the ultimate professional, because who else would go deer hunting in a starched button-down white shirt and Italian loafers. This sartorial pattern was repeated regularly throughout our hunting and fishing trips, and our friendship.

Mike knew nothing but the very best would do in any endeavor--he was truly the most generous human I ever knew. His contributions to many charities local and national in "time and talent" were legendary.

Like a brother, he could be a royal pain in the butt. Episodes of showing up unannounced (and uninvited) happened occasionally. He once was invited to come over to cook a steak dinner. Well, he purchased and brought a "new in the box" Weber grill on which to cook our steak! We put it together and the Yarbrough's cooked on it for at least two decades and we still have it.

There was always the annual spring turkey hunt we both fondly anticipated and I'll be hunting in two weeks without Michael. Once, four of us went to our cabin for turkeys and by the grace of God survived the night. An unventilated butane heater was started, it was late, and we had a wee dram of single malt, and went to bed. We didn't know the winter snow had bent the vent pipe over. Morning came--we all were nauseated, had a killer headache, disoriented , had beet red fingernail beds, and had experienced a near fatal dose of carbon monoxide poisoning. The 500 gallon butane tank ran out of gas!

We had a final fishing trip down the Gunnison River, and Mike Kelly landed two nice brown trout virtually without help. I was very proud of him.

We live our lives looking forward, and judge them looking backward, and my opinions is that Mike's was a full and productive life. We always ended our conversations saying "I love you", and Mike, I still do.

Kathy Yarbrough
Friend
Mike was part of Mark's and my lives for almost fifty years. We shared meals, trips, family adventures and celebrations, and life's ups and downs. Mike taught me an important lesson. He never parted from Mark and me without telling us that he loved us. So, in memory of Mike, be sure to tell your friends how important they are to you.

Ray Driver, III
Business, Friend, Fishing/Hunting
Mike and I forged a strong friendship in the early 1990s, a period marked by the challenging economic aftermath of the late 1980s. During this time, the mortgage banking industry faced significant hardship. In response, a group of us, including Mike, formed a business partnership that evolved into Q10 Capital. Together, we contributed to each other's professional growth and success. Mike's contributions were integral to Q10 Capital's achievements. He became a trusted business colleague and a dear personal friend. I will always cherish the many positive experiences we shared.

One particularly memorable moment occurred during a cold, wet November weekend in Galveston. I had the privilege of fulfilling my promise to take Mike, a native of the Texas Gulf Coast, on a Bull Red fishing trip. Despite his coastal roots, he had never caught one. His determination paid off after two demanding days, and he was immensely proud of his catch. In true Mike Kelly fashion, we celebrated with a bottle of his finest chilled wine.

Mike was loved by my entire family, and he will be deeply missed.

Bruce Ash
Business
Mike Kelly was a trusted business colleague of mine. He helped us grow our real estate business and was the consummate professional. I enjoyed doing business with Mike because he always treated us like we were his only clients. I met his daughter Channing immediately after her father passed. She immediately picked up where her father left off providing professional service for us just like her father. He obviously passed along his integrity to her and no doubt must be proud of her own talents. Rest in peace Mike.

Ida Kelly
Family
Michael Kelly and I shared a 57 year connection created not by just marriage but children and the joy of grandchildren. For me, the early and late years contained my best memories of our times together, not the middle years of material abundance. The early years were filled with finding our path as a couple and the late were a walk down memory lane and the discovery of what grandchildren can bring to a life.

Shortly after his passing, a friend called to share what he had learned from Mike and the call had me ask the question, “What did I learn from Mike Kelly?” The answer was swift and on point . . . how to take a risk.

Mike Kelly was a master of taking risks and that was actually one of his appealing qualities. Those risks could be small or enormous but they held almost equal appeal for him and he never turned away from the challenge, regardless of past experience. I was not a star pupil in his risk class but his encouragement showed me risk can lead to opportunity just as Websters Dictionary lists it as a synonym. It was Michael that pushed me out of my comfort zone to become a Realtor® . . . Michael that took me east of the Mississippi for the first time in my life to New York City, which at the time seemed very scary!

Lastly, Mike was a consummate gift giver . . . he loved picking out a perfect gift and enjoyed it as much as the recipient but his greatest gift to me was our children.

Michael Stordahl
Business
Working for Michael Kelly at Q10 Realty Mortgage & Investment Company was one of the greatest privileges of my professional life. When I first joined his team, I knew almost nothing about commercial real estate finance—but Michael took me in with patience, generosity, and an unwavering belief in my potential.

He spent countless hours teaching me the business, breaking down complex concepts, and instilling in me the discipline needed to succeed. His wisdom extended far beyond spreadsheets and deal structures—he shaped the way I think, work, and approach challenges. One of his many unforgettable quotes still rings in my ears: “Never confuse effort with results.” It was classic Michael—direct, insightful, and a reminder that hard work must be purposeful.

His attention to detail was unmatched, his tenacity unshakable, and his work ethic truly extraordinary. But beyond that, he was a man of integrity, humor, and deep loyalty to those he believed in. I owe so much to him—not just for the skills he taught me, but for the example he set as a leader and mentor.

Michael’s legacy lives on in the lessons he shared, the deals he shaped, and the countless lives he influenced. I will forever be grateful for the time I had learning from him and will carry his wisdom with me always.

Victoria Kelly
Family
The first time I spoke to Michael was on Father’s Day in 2007. Robert passed me the phone and we chatted for 20 minutes or more—I liked him immediately.

That summer, Robert and I spent time in Connecticut and I got to know Michael and Jane, both of whom I came to love. Michael was welcoming and warm—he wouldn’t hesitate to throw his arm around you—he was just sweet like that. As father-in-laws go, I always felt I’d won the lottery.

I’ll never forget, one hot summer day in Connecticut, the HVAC condensation pan overflowed causing water to leak through the kitchen ceiling—the banter between Michael and Channing as they tried to identify the problem had Robert and I rolling with laughter. I’m not sure I’ve laughed that hard since.  

Michael and I shared a love of cooking and it quickly became something we looked forward to doing together. Grilling may have been his super power.

It occurred to me today that the last time I spoke to Michael was on Father’s Day, just a few months ago—and 17 years from our first conversation. He expressed how happy he was to hear from us. The kids and I got to tell him how much we loved him and I know he felt it. We always felt loved by him.

God speed Michael, we’ll see you next time.

Maurice and Barbara Grosby
Business, Friend
I met Mike through a real estate deal in the 90’s. We evolved into a beautiful personal relationship. We are relatively close geographically Albuquerque and Montrose, CO. We would see each other often for golf, dinner (Mike cooking), birthdays, (mine), and Ben reviewing Mike’s latest lady including. Mike was one of the most generous friends I have ever enjoyed. His friendship over the years and business relationship (Q10) was very endearing to me. He was a very special friend and person and will be greatly missed. Thank you Mike and bless your memory.

Louis Abruzzo
Business
Michael with his optimistic hard charging attitude enabled us to get to the front of line on our purchase of City Place with a lightspeed financing commitment and also placed other difficult loans for us. Great supporter of business associations that improved Albuquerque. Will miss him.

John Higgins
Friend
As a musician myself, I was very impressed that Mike learned to play the piano later in life. Like everything he did, his musical effort was not a half measure. After years of practice, he was able to conjure up one of my fondest musical memories by playing “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” from Love Story. The duet, played at a well attended event, featured him on the piano with a beautiful voice accompaniment. Mike played the song with his soul and he got the notes exactly right. The performance captured the love, admiration, and gratitude that he felt for his family. Mike stole the show that evening. I’ll never forget it. He was one of a kind and will be missed.

Alicia J. Keyes
Neighbor
Michael and I became neighbors in 2015; however, Channing and I have been friends since our days at the Albuquerque Academy. So, living next to Micheal was like living next to family. He would often call and check-in with my boys and me. We loved to chat over the back wall while our puppies played or I picked pomegranates. He and Susan could always been seen on warm weekends taking off for a long ride in the Bosque.

One favorite memory was during Christmas, Michael devised a plan for my twins to sneak up a ladder onto their roof so that Channing's boys would hear the reindeer prancing their way into the neighborhood with Santa's sleigh. It was magical.

Michael - you will be missed.

Diana Stoneberger Briggs
Business
I was fortunate to get to know Mike during my years in the title insurance business. What started out as a business relationship turned into a long, trusted friendship. We shared many years full of challenging transactions, but mostly ending in successful closings.

Mike was always the most upbeat person, finding a way to work through any situation. He taught me so much about the world of finance, always with a commitment to detail and respect for guidelines and principles. We shared many long conversations together, some difficult but mostly full of fun and laughter. He has left such a deep impression on my life and will always be loved and missed dearly.

Charles Price and Kate Hollander
Friend
Mike was a generous and thoughtful friend as evidenced by this story.

Years ago, when our son Ryan died, we were in a terrible way. On the third day after it happened I got a call from Mike asking if he could bring us dinner. I said yes, not at all sure if we could manage a dinner conversation or not. Mike arrived with dinner ingredients he wanted to cook . . . bacon wrapped filet minion was the entree and two sides. He cooked in my kitchen, where he had never cooked before, and created a work-of-art dinner which he served. We mentioned that it was time for him to come sit with us and eat but he said no, he knew this was not a night to have a visitor, he just wanted us to know we were loved and to have a great meal.
We will never forget this act of generosity and kindness. He was a person who gave meaning and substance to life and friendship.

All our best wishes to his family.

Todd Clarke
Business
It’s been really touching and fun to see the private and personal side of Mike Kelly’s life. I’met Mike when I was a young commercial Realtor some 36 years ago, to me, he was always the consummate professional, smart, clever, creative, and focused on delivering his product in a way that worked best for his clients. Until I saw the photos on this memorial page, I actually never knew that he owned anything but a suit! He was a leader in our industry and will be sorely missed.