Michael Hercules Wilfong

You will meet no one else like him. Brilliant, brave, hilarious; a steadfast friend, a loving father. He was a rare and special person. He approached everyone with a heart open to the idea that a stranger is just a friend he’s never met. A great conversationalist because he could talk and listen. He was so smart and curious about the world and had something insightful to contribute on any topic, in any setting.

Graduating from Agua Fria HS, where he wrestled; Fong attended the University of Arizona, studying Political Science, where he was inspired by the civil rights activist he studied—Thurgood Marshall, Malcom X. On campus, he was the brother in the dark trench coat with the “Black Power” pick set fly in his Afro. Intimidating yet small, if he got teased about his size he’d insist, tongue-in-cheek, “I’m tall for my size!” But your first instinct was correct. His middle name was no lie. He could back down a man twice his size to avoid a bar fight. He hit the books hard, at this point in the plot. He free-style rapped every chance he got. Judo became a part of his life in college. Eventually a black-belt, he was a patient teacher to children and adults, a model of the gentle way. A warrior at heart and in life.

After college, his ambition said Howard University Law School, the Harvard of the HBCU; his compassion said become a public defender, the frontline of racial justice. He moved to Las Vegas, a community he helped make better, to work for the Clark County Public Defender. Known for his bolo tie and Kangol hat, he was his own man. His ability to connect with the humanity in everyone from the most downtrodden, i.e., his clients, to his brothers and sisters in the law, judges and court staff was standout. Famous for making his rounds among his PD colleagues—always checking in, helping, advising, mentoring. He was a friend who was always there for you. An anchor point for so many. We are adrift without him.

He is survived by his father and mother, Troy and Debby Wilfong, his wife, Shania Wilfong, and his children Shiloh Moriah Ortiz (25 years), Jaxson Atlas Wilfong (7 years) and Shaylee Rae Wilfong (3 years). As, he told everyone who would listen, his children were the light of his life.

A celebration of life for Michael will be held Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Palm Northwest Mortuary, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89131. Following the celebration of life will be a committal service at 1:00 PM at Palm Northwest Cemetery, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89131.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmnorthwest.com for the Wilfong family.