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.

Like all of you, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Mike was a friend for over 30 years and I never thought of him without the greatest fondness, admiration and respect. As I read through all the comments on these pages, I nod my head in complete agreement with each and every nice thing you all have said about him. Every anecdote and story rings true, especially those recounting his generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness and love of good times. A trait I especially liked about Mike and one which underscored all his other wonderful qualities was his authenticity, his integrity as a person. We are all fortunate to have shared company with Mike. And we will all pay tribute to his memory by doing what we can to more fully live out his excellent example in our own lives and relationships. Mike had adventures and achievements, passions and contributions. He was always surrounded by people who loved and respected him. As we mourn his passing we also marvel at and celebrate a life which, though ended far too soon, was truly well and fully lived. He will be in our hearts and memories forever. Joining me in these remarks is another good friend of Mike's. Jerry Davila-Castro was a Table Tennis teammate on Pan-American, Stoke, World Championships and Paralympics teams. Mike was someone Jerry always held in the highest regard and with great affection. The loss of a human being like Mike Dempsey leaves a void that certainly can never be filled. But just as certainly, we are all privileged to have known him and enjoyed him for the time that we shared. Bless you Mike, dear friend. And blessings to you, Mike's family and friends, for bringing so much happiness into Mike's life. ~ Darrell Ray  /  Hollywood, CA

I remember his full-face smile, his wingspan of a condor and heart of a teddy bear. Not another like him! He will be missed. ~ Connie Head / Paisley, FL / headshots@earthlink.net

In memory of a great guy who was always supportive, appreciative, and a friend. ~ Bill Sparks / Powell, Ohio

What a sad day for all of us who knew, loved, respected, and admired Mike Dempsey. Like most of the mourners in these pages, I had the pleasure of meeting Mike some 30 years or so ago, as we both started our journeys with wheelchair sports. As a team leader on several trips, and as the T and F coach on others, I marveled at what a contributor Mike was to each and every team he traveled with. He was always there with a ready smile to support his teammates and with a twinkle in his eye he always had a way of finding the joy of the moment. His prowess as an athlete is without equal in his sport- but but for me- as a coach of another discipline, my strongest and fondest memories will be of his warmth, his sparkle, his wit, and his inner peace. I send my heartfelt condolences to Mike's family at this very difficult time. ~ Judy Einbinder  /  Houston, TX  /  judyein@aol.com

Mike was my hero. I first saw him play at the wheelchair nationals when he was 13. That kid could hit so hard and fast that I could hardly believe my eyes. He was nothing short of a miracle. His first year at the nationals he won the championship and went to play with the U.S. team in England. When Mike appeared on the international scene he set the world on fire. In the table tennis hall you could hear them all saying "that kid is unbelievable". Sure enough. Mike picked off opponent after opponent. Then came the final match against the veteran player Hagai who uproudly beat Mike by pushing the ball just over the net out of Mike's reach. He dared not hit the ball to Mike or he would have been slaughtered. A year later the crowds were anxiously awaiting another performance by these two rivals. Once again, Hagai dropped the ball just over the net, but this time Mike had a surprise for him as he whipped out a racket with a long handle, reached over, pushed the ball right back and won the point. The crowd went wild. "DEMPSEY! DEMPSEY! DEMPSEY!". And so it went for many years. The excitement was unbelievable when he entered the playing area, his ear phones playing Eye of the Tiger". We always sat up front to wach. Sometimes he would entrust us with the sacred honor of holding his towel and water bottle. Yes, Mike was our champion and we would do anything for him. What started out as a team evolved into a family as we travelled together to all sorts of places and had the time of our lives. When Mike was in our midst he always had that mischievious grin and sense of adventure. He also showed us how things should be handled and how to be a good sportsperson. He commanded the respect of everyone. Mike was a beloved teammate and a wonderful friend, a gentle warrior with an incredible spirit. He was a humble man with more dignity and honor than anyone I have ever known. He taught us well and we loved him well. Mike was a gift whose memory I will always cherish. And I will always remember the roar of the crowds "DEMPSEY! DEMPSEY! DEMPSEY!". God bless Mike's loving wife Shannon, his son Henry, and all of the Dempsey families. ~ Ruth Rowsenbaum  /  Edgewater, FL

I too am saddened by Mike's untimely passing. As with all who have shared memories on these pages. I too met Mike through wheelchair sports some 30 years ago and I have fond memories of his "giggle" and that twinkle in his eye. I am honored to have met him. He truly lived life fully, with passion and integrity. My condolences to Mike's family. May the stories people share, bring peace to your heart and memories that you can look back on and smile knowing that he touched so many of us with his tender heart and wit. I celebrate you, Mike Dempsey. ~ Gina Biter / Napa, CA  /  gbitermundt@sbcglobal.net

On behalf of the Ly Family, we send our condolences. We remember Michael as someone who was always in happy spirits. He was a wonderful person we got to know and will be missed by all. Much love to his family, Ly Family. ~ Ly Family / Albany, CA

Losing Mike makes us not take life for granted because of the inspiring way he lived his! As an upcoming teenage lobber about 25-30 years ago I faced Mike for the first time in a tournament. After he had a little trouble with a few lobs that bounced over him, I felt so bad. But guess what Mike Did? He saw the look on my face as I was deciding it's not fair that I keep lobbing, and he rolled around to my side of the table and tells me he loves playing against this style and for me to make sure I give him every type of lob I can think of and - "Don't let up"! He was a special friend ever since, and I look forward to seeing him living again in with perfect health in God's new world after the resurrection of the dead takes place! What a marvelous hope the Bible holds out (Revelation 21:3,4). ~ James Therriault  /  Sacramento,  CA  /  james_sports@yahoo.com

Today I wrote Mike a letter, explaining that my dad, Sam Fletcher, had passed away in October of last year. I guess he already knows..........He and my dad were pioneers of wheelchair athletic competition. They competed together in Germany in '72. I know Dad went to China representing the US, not sure if Mike was on the team with him. But I know he and my Dad had a strong bond. I know how great his loss is to his family and friends. A side note - I must argue with Mike being the greatest USA Table Tennis Player that ever lived -- my dad taught him everything he knew, at least up until 1975. My dad was the greatest :) ~ Wendy Fletcher Dick  /  Palm City, FL  /  WendyFDick@gmail.com

I knew Mike for thirty years. He will be missed at San Diego Charger Games. My condolences to Henry and Shannon. He was a good man. ~ Roy Gash  /  San Diego

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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