|
Mike Dempsey's Bio / Obituary
Born Sept. 8, 1956 in Columbus, Michael
distinguished himself throughout his life. At the young age of 13,
Michael attended his first National Wheelchair Games and, although
an unseeded table tennis newcomer, he beat a veteran for the first
of what was to become 30 gold medals.
In July of 1971, Michael
started a long career of international competition and championships
with a gold medal at the Pan-Am Wheelchair Games. The next year
started his Paralympic career with the first of many medals at
Heidelberg and, in 1973, the World Championships in England. All of
this while still a student at Gahanna Lincoln High School. At his
graduation, Michael was acknowledged for his “scholarship,
character, leadership and service.” These were attributes he
personified throughout his life.
In 2000, in Sydney, Australia,
Michael was selected by the 17 U.S. Delegation sport team captains
as the U.S. flag bearer for the Paralympic Games. The picture of his
leading the team was broadcast across the country with his following
quote: “For me, there’s nothing more gratifying at the games than
seeing the flag on the podium or walking behind it into the
stadium.” Later that year, culminating an astounding 30-year table
tennis career, Michael was inducted into the National Wheelchair
Athletic Association Hall of Fame, and as Male Athlete of the Year
as well. He was also inducted into the Ohio Wheelchair Athletic
Association and later the California Hall of Fame.
In 1972, Michael met
Rainer Kuschall at a table tennis tournament in Europe. The
friendship developed into a business relationship and Michael
founded and was president of Kuschall of America, designing,
manufacturing and marketing ultra light wheelchairs. Subsequent to
the sale of Kuschall, he served as a medical industry consultant. In
1996, Michael became a director of Greif Inc., and was chairman of
the nominating and governance committee and member of the executive
committee. Michael Gasser, chairman and CEO of Greif Inc., stated,
“Mike Dempsey was an inspiration to all of us through his energy,
passion and commitment to both his family and Greif. We will miss
his wisdom and counsel.” Michael served as president of All Life
Foundation and took an active roll in overseeing the family
business. A very special thank you to Dan Gunsett, Mark Senff,
Michael Gasser, Ron Brown, Gary Martz, Mike Patton, Joe Reed and the
caring people of Greif Inc.; Liberty Township EMS, Anne Bare, Bruce
Hagan, Anita Laterro, Mike O’Sullivan, Dr. Marian Schuda and the
wonderful physicians and staffs of Riverside Methodist Hospital.
Michael was preceded in
death by his parents, John C. Dempsey and Naomi C. Dempsey; one
sister Maureen A. Kendall; his mothers-in-law, Janet L. Kirk and
Barbara J. Kirk; and one brother-in-law Richard J. Ragan.
Surviving to hold
Michael in their hearts are his beloved wife, Shannon Kirk Dempsey;
one son, Henry Coyle Dempsey of San Diego; four sisters, Virginia D.
Ragan of Westerville, Patricia M. Dempsey of Lady Lake, Fla., Mary
T. McAlpin of Snowmass Village, Colo., and Judith D. (Frank) Hook,
Sanibel Island, Fla.; five nephews, John McNamara, Kevin (Andrea)
McNamara, Arin McNamara, Nicholas Petitti and Aiden Kirk; seven
nieces, Christina (Hans Peter) Marshall, Heather (Luke) Rogers,
Colleen Kendall, Kathleen Kendall, and Ella, Emma and Addie Kirk;
his father-in-law, Kelsey J. Kirk of Carlsbad, Calif., one
brother-in-law, Alan (Quyen) Kirk of Reno, Nev.; his
grandmother-in-law, Frances Watson; three aunts, Mary Orton, Ruth
(Jim) Reynolds and Donna (Dean) Hopkins; and two uncles, Tom
(Barbara) Purdie and Pete Purdie. |
 |
|
