Michael Dean Faiss
October 14, 1958 - February 3, 2024
Carson City native Michael Dean Faiss, 65, passed peacefully after a long illness February 3 at home surrounded by his loving family, including his wife of 42 years Kandy Faiss, son Dr. Khristopher Faiss and daughter-in-law Katie Faiss.
A longtime restaurant and florist shop owner in Carson City, Michael had managed restaurants in California before returning to his hometown to establish the popular Khristopher’s Café and The Floral Vineyard, where Kandy became known for designing elegant arrangements for clients, including the Governor’s Mansion.
After selling their business, Michael worked with his brother Mitch Faiss as an estimator at United Electrical Services, a family-owned business based in Minden that serves five western Nevada counties.
Michael, who served his country in the United States Navy, played a key role in the election of his grandfather Wilbur Faiss to the Nevada State Senate in 1976, where Senator Faiss championed issues from the Equal Rights Amendment to lower-cost generic drugs, as well as many senior citizen issues. He ran as an underdog and served two distinguished terms.
“We would literally go door to door so he could talk to the voters in person. He cared what the people wanted to see from their senator.” Michael said. “Election day, my duty was to transport Seniors to the polling booths so that anyone who wanted to vote was given a chance.” Michael recalled that he was fortunate to get to spend the last six months with his grandfather, who lived with him and Kandy until his death at age 102 – Nevada’s longest living legislator.
Sharing a birthdate with his beloved grandfather, Michael was born on October 14, 1958, in Carson City to the late Colleen Hinds and the late Robert D. Faiss.
He is survived by his wife Kandy, son Dr. Khristopher Robet Faiss (Katie), brothers Robert Mitchell Faiss (Mary), Philip Grant Faiss and Justin Cooper Chambers (Jessica), sister Marceline Cooper Ayres (Andrew), and stepmother Linda Faiss-Amstutz (Jim), in addition to several nieces and nephews.
A private celebration of Michael’s extraordinary life will take place in April.