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.

I'm so sorry to hear of this loss to all of us, but especially Mike's family. I knew Mike mainly from his early years in the Ohio Table Tennis tournament circuit. In fact I played him in my first USATT tournament in Columbus when I was about 19 and he has a younger teenager - though he seemed to me more like a man of wisdom and maturity even then as a teen. I was impressed then, even more with his character and maturity and warmth towards others than his also impressive competitive attitude and skills. I didn't win a match that day, especially with Mike, but wasn't discouraged by the experience and it ended up being a beginning of a career of my own playing and then promoting and coaching our sport. I often tell new students and club members about that first tournament I ever played - and always mention Mike - among the 'girl' Kathy Dement, the boy Jeff Williams, and the guy in the wheelchair, all champions in different shapes and forms than I expected - especially as a football coaches son - and who all taught me some humility, and perseverance - in my first tournament experience - but especially Mike. I also remember the last time I remember seeing him, playing a wheelchair finals at the US Open on the table next to another World Champion and legend, Sweden's J.O Waldner, in the center of the Baltimore Arena in 1990. How fitting, and representative of our great sport's unique nature, especially in our country, to have two of the greatest champions of our sport's history competing in front of a huge audience on adjacent courts in the largest tournament in US history. God Bless you and your family Mike. You enriched our sport and our lives by your presence and inspirational attitude. I hope his wife and son can stay connected to our sport so some of us can try to repay the debt we owe Mike to her and Henry in the same feeble way I tried to beat him over 30 years ago in Columbus. We won't match his grace or effort, as I couldn't that day, but as then, we will see his wise and encouraging smile, this time in our hearts eye, as we try. ~ David Strang  /  Fairfield, CT  /  nettadave@yahoo.com

Mike, Mike, Mike!!! What a shock and a sad day as it was way too soon for you to leave us. I met Mike through business and although his goodness, kindness and decency as a wonderful human being were easy to see and be touched by it's not what I remember most. For me it was his smile, his laugh, his love of life, his big old cigar. Whenever I was with Mike we seemed to do nothing but laugh and enjoy the situation no matter what it may have been. Just thinking about him puts a smile on my face because I know he wouldn't have it any other way. My heart goes out to Shannon, Henry and all of his family who have lost such a dear person who left such a positive impact on all of those who were fortunate enough to have known him. ~ Christopher Lynch  /  Hewitt, NJ  /  ChristopherLynch@Verizon.net

I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Dempsey's death. It was a delight to greet him many mornings and afternoons when he dropped Henry off and picked him up from preschool. He always had a great smile and a simple joy about him. He was a pleasure to know. My condolences to you and Henry. ~ Kathy Baker  /  Country Day School  /  Encinitas, CA

Please except our contribution for the Mike Dempsey Memorial Fund, in memory of Mike Dempsey, honored member of the California Table Tennis Hall of Fame. Mike will be missed. ~ CTTHOF Board of Directors: Y.C. Lee, Si Wasserman, Shonie Aki, Terry Timmins, Pam Ramsey, John Miller, Azmy Ibrahim & Tom Miller

Mike was a true inspiration to all of us. He was a kind considerate person who went out of his way for strangers. His accomplishments in the sport of table tennis was outstanding. He will truly be missed.   ~ Stuart Caplin  /  Jacksonville, FL

I was just told of MR. Dempsey's death today and am just so sad. I had the pleasure of being one of his son's teacher's last year, and was always greeted with a smile each time Mike dropped Henry off, or picked him up. His sense of humor, his laughter and his wonderful smile will forever remain in my memory. I send my condolences to his wife Shannon, and to his son Henry, who will carry on the endearing smile his father had. God Bless you. Miss Traci ~ Traci Conway  /  Encinitas,  CA

I'd recently spoken with Mike about bringing Henry to begin playing in our kids program... with a firm hand shake a pleasant smile and Henry's shyness. I'll miss you Mike. ~ Jock Oubicon / San Diego, CA

Mike was a champion at everything he did. He was a superb athlete but even greater was his success as a human being. His ever present smile and calm will be sorely missed. ~ Waqidi & Lesley Falicoff

Mike, thank you for the great memories. You had the heart of a Lion and the heart of a Lamb. You were the fiercest of competitors, and a kind and generous friend. You were a great team mate and a positive influence. I'll miss you. ~ Mike Efferson / San Lorenzo, CA / davidefferson@sbcglobal.net

I was deeply saddened upon hearing the news about Mike’s passing. I have known Mike for 28 years. He was one of the very first friends that I made after arriving in San Diego from Peru in 1981. Being young and somewhat clueless, I did not know how to initially treat Mike, never having had a friend in a wheelchair. But very quickly I figured out that he was an individual who did not need any kind of special treatment. Some of my fondest memories were the times that we would practice ping-pong together at the Balboa Park Club, and then with a bunch of friends, we’d go back to his house in La Jolla for food, drinks and more ping-pong at a table set up in his living room! I learned a lot from Mike. He was a great human being who inspired people; he knew how to make people feel at ease with his easygoing smile; he was a great athlete, a successful businessman and a very giving person. Having read every single one of the messages on this website I am pretty sure that we could all fill hundreds of pages more about Mike. I have always been proud to say that I am Mike’s friend. Your friend, Carlo. ~ Carlo Brignardello  /  Thousand Oaks, CA  /  cbrignardello@cresapartners.com

Wendy & I were stunned & saddened to hear the tragic news of Mike’s sudden passing. Mike was a truly inspirational man who was always ready to lend a hand to someone and help them get ahead. We met Mike through our business dealings with Kuschall America when our company was the Australian distributor for the Kuschall range of wheelchairs. His promotional visits to Australia were fantastic & his generous support, honesty, integrity & enthusiasm helped make our business a success. Mike & Shannon kindly opened their home to us when visiting the US & as you would expect their hospitality was just wonderful. Our sincere condolences to Shannon & also to young Henry – your Dad was one really great guy & we will miss him very much. ~ Chris Sparks / Sydney, AL Australia / computabiz@bigpond.com

Mike Dempsey will be missed immensely! ~ Paul Davison / Columbus, OH

Mike was the definition of a tough competitor and great sportsman. He was also that rare individual who would put a smile on the face of every single person he encountered. No one who knew him will ever forget him. ~ Carl Danner  /  Alamo, CA  /  USTTFoundation

Mr. Dempsey was one of our favorite flyers. Always good natured, friendly and happy to see us. All of us at United Airlines San Diego will miss him. ~ American Airlines  /  San Diego

As a coach, umpire, and specifically as a wheelchair-certified umpire, I am saddened by the loss of such an icon. I was at the World Championships in Yokohama when I first heard the news, and the news spread like wildfire. I hope this guestbook brings comfort to all Mike's family and friends. ~ Mike Meier  /  Beijing, China  /  mikesmeier@yahoo.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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