In Loving Memory of
Michael Henry Dempsey
1956 - 2009

Condolences  Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6 |  Page 7  |  Page 8
NOTE: To submit words of condolences, thoughts, prayers or photos for Shannon, little Henry and the Dempsey family, please fill in the box at the right. Once submitted, they will be posted below.

These are the darkest of days for those in some way touched by Mike Dempsey. Memories that go back through the years flood our minds and or hearts and in trying to express them bring forth only physical pain with the realization that they are never to be again. There were about 15 table tennis players who traveled together to tournaments and during those times we thought of each other as family. Can you guess throughout those times who the natural leader of this motely group of those who loved to raise a little heck might be. Although he loved to have as much fun as the next one, Dempsey was one who guided us without dictating with his incredible principle, honor, good sportsmanship and to look out for one another regardless. Oh gosh we did have fun. How very lucky we were to have him with us, and now nit seems like such a short time. Mike's Mom expressed when last we spoke how happy we was that Mike had found Shannon. She expressed her love for Shannon and know the union would be a good one. Our little traveling family felt the same about Shannon. We knew as soon as we met her. There is only one thing that does make me very happy and that is the years of happiness that Mike had with Shannon and Henry. I do thank God for that. I loved Mike as much as one friend can love another and although we will go on, life will never be the same. I know I will count this always as one of the saddest times of my life. With love to Shannon and Henry always. Gosh did we have fun. ~ Jackie DiLorenzo  /  Hastings-on-Hudson, NY  /  jmd0224@aol.com

Mike Dempsey always made me light up, it simply wasn't possible to be in the same room with him without responding to his radiant joy and optimism. I was always delighted to see him at tournaments where I was playing or working. It's not easy to picture our community without him. I will be memorializing this fine man by trying to emulate his good sportsmanship, his enthusiasm and supportive comraderie and his courage in the face of challenges. Knowing Mike enriched my life and I will pass that enrichment on by trying to be more like him. Mike created a legacy of joy that will survive his passing. ~ Alan Williams  /  Cumberland, MD  /  williams5@atlanticbb.net

As I read through everyone's comments there is one strong, common thread - we all loved Mike and he had a huge positive impact on each of our lives in a variety of ways. What a legacy to have! I've known him for 30+ years with my first meeting when he pulled up in his red and white Corvette at the W/C Games to the last time I saw him at the Abilities Expo. And EACH time I saw him, it started with that big ole' infectious grin that lit up your heart followed by that deep "rascal" giggle of his. There are so many memories and stories - personal, business and sports - during all of our years as friends. And all of them with happy endings leaving Bruce and I all the better for this time together. I'm going to just share one as there are so many - years ago, Mike came up to Fresno for a meeting and brought a business associate with him. We met at the Sheraton and as Mike screeched into the parking lot and stopped, the fellow traveling with him stumbled out of Mike's Porsche white as a sheet and raced to the bar. Apparently Mike made REAL good time getting up here...without hand controls. (hearing that giggle again!) He most certainly was a friend, leader, mentor and fellow sportsman to MANY of us. Thank God we had him in this world and in our lives, we are so much better for it. Our condolences to the entire Dempsey Family. Shannon, our love and prayers will be with you and Henry. There was never any question, with all of Mike's accomplishments, you and Henry were the best part of his life, the part he was proudest of. Remember, there are hundreds of us that will always be here for you. ~ Mary and Bruce Boegel  /  Fresno, CA  /  bboegel@sbcglobal.net

I remember the first time I saw Mike play I was in awe of his abilities and level. I remember vividly a match against Canadian Team member Alain Bourbonnais. No matter how often I saw Mike play I always remained impressed. What was equally impressive was his cheerful demeanor and good spirits away from the table. He always seemed to be in a good mood. Although I didn't have the good fortune to become a personal friend, and I don't think I ever played a match against Mike, I always considered him a real "Mensch". My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. We are all a little poorer due to his passing, but much richer for having known him. ~ Mitch Rothfleisch / Montreal, Canada  /  mitch@ping-pong.com

Mike Dempsey was a magnificent man. I will forever cherish his friendship and I look forward to sharing all that I learned from him about life, love, and sport with my son and daughter. I can't imagine any one person enriching more people's lives than Mike. To Shannon and Henry, we all share in your loss and in your love for Mike. ~ Mitchell Seidenfeld  /  Minneapolis, MN

Tom and I got to talk to Mike at the tournament Saturday and Sunday in San Diego.  We had watched how he and his son interacted.  I mentioned this to Mike as he was leaving the venue Sunday, April 26th.  Told him how cute his son is and how he obviously really loved his Daddy.  Mike said he is a very special boy.  How very sad Mike died. ~ Tom & Marilyn Miller  /  Livermore, CA  /  International Umpire

What a blow! It is difficult to comprehend. I had the fortune as a member of the USA Wheelchair Team staff from 1975 - 1996 to watch Mike grow and mature into a fine man. This is a loss for all of us and the Paralympic Sports Movement. Please, Shannon and Henry accept Marie's and my condolences and take comfort that Mike had so many admirers around the world. ~ Bob Szyman  /  Chicago, IL

Mike was a friend when i needed one and stood by and supported Jude and I as we struggled to start our own business in NZ when it would have been much easier for him to stay with a big company. Mike and I traveled many miles together through New Zealand and Australia selling his Kuschall of America chairs. Miles that memories were made of. We drifted apart over recent years but Mike was never far from our thoughts. Those of you who lived close by and got to share Mike with Shannon and Henry are the lucky ones. ~ Andy O'Sullivan  / Auckland, New Zealand  /  andy@dme.co.nz

I first met Mike when he was 20 years old, just after he moved to California. We met each other in the rec room of the Fountain Apartment Complex, where he resided and I worked as a secutity guard. I remember just how bad he beat me at table tennis that day. He was using a scurb brush for a paddle while sitting on the floor and still wiped me out! I was considered to be a pretty good player but was no match for Mike! I am proud to say that Mike was my friend. We had a lot of fun traveling the country together, in a van, many years ago. We attended each others weddings, and he stood up for me as my best man. It is hard to believe that Mike is gone but that very special and accomplished man will never be forgotten. We love you Mike. Our deepest sympathies to you, Shannon and Henry, and may God Bless. ~ Will & Carolyn Pau / Lincoln, CA / willandcarolyn2000@yahoo.com

There are times in our lives that we will remember for always. In my life there are three that involve Mike; the first was when I met him I realized that here was a person that has and would continue to have a positive impact on peoples lives everywhere he went, the second was at his wedding where I had the opportunity to see he and Shannon together outside of a business setting and to see the Love that they shared, the third was the day I heard that God had taken Mike, prematurely we all agree. He was loved by us all and will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to Shannon and Henry. You have so many friends, use us all to get through the difficult times and continue to share your lives so that the stories continue on. I wonder who Mike will whoop up on next at that great big table tennis match in the sky! ~ Rick Hayden  /  Murrieta, CA  /  rickhayden@colourswheelchair.com

Thank You to those who have shared your thoughts, memories & condolences.

Sir Philip Craven MBE / IPC President
Christian Lillieroos / Coach
Pam Ramsey  / USTTF / CTTHOF
Gary Hranek  / Former SDTTA Pres
Dr. Mike Lardon
Larry Thoman  / Newgy
Raul, Earl, DJ & John Alto
Marco Borrillo
Llly Yip & Barry Dattel
Jennifer Johnson / AWTTA Pres
Dick Evans / USTTA Hall of Fame Pres
Phil Davila
Ron Spencer
Umel Family
Tom Nyguen  / NATT
Mike Veillette
Tahl Leibovitz
Mike Gift
Scott Preiss Family
Joseph Rokop
Waqidi Falicoff
Perry Schwartzberg
Gil Simons
Andrew Murray
Kent Anderson
Olga Kahan
Terese Terranova
Donn Olsen
Pam Fontaine
Terry Tierney
Juan Carlos Acosta Villanueva / Peru
Gary Kerr
Rod Williams
Diana Gee
Bill Hodge
Sai Kwok
Marty Ball
Joe & Debbie Quigg
James Hall
Mike Shepard
Margita Homolova / Slovakia
Yim & Betty Gee
Steve Goldman
 Rodel Valdoria
Michael Baltaxe
Christy Shimono
Philip Van De Wiele
Liz DeFrancesco
Mabel Zafra
Sharon Frant Brooks
Rich Kaufmann
Rudi Hajek / Austria  
Peizhen Shao & Marty Young
Jackie DiLorenzo
Alan Williams / NATT
Mary and Bruce Boegel
Mitch Rothfleisch
Mitchell Seidenfeld
Tom & Marilyn Miller
Bob Szyman
Andy O'Sullivan / New Zealand
Will & Carolyn Pau
Rick Hayden
David Strang
Christopher Lynch
Kathy Baker
California Table Tennis Hall of Fame
Stuart Caplin
Tracy Conway
Jock Oubicon
Waqidi & Leslie Falicoff
Mike Efferson
Carlo Brignardello
Chris Sparks  /  Australia
Paul Davison
Carl Danner / USTTF
American Airlines  /  San Diego
Mike Meier
Darrell Ray
Connie Head
Bill Sparks
Judy Einbinder
Ruth Rowsenbaum
Gina Biter
Ly Family
James Therriault
Wendy Fletcher Dick
Roy Gash
Joe Segal
Ryan Militante
Gary Whiddon
Miriam Lawrence
Jo Dempsey Foster

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