Michael Dempsey

Michael Henry Dempsey , 52, San Diego, California, entered Eternity at Riverside Methodist Hospital on the morning of April 29,2009, with his loving family at his side. Born September 8, 1956 in Columbus, Ohio, 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 0f 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. 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. Michael was predeceased by his parents John C. Dempsey and Naomi C. Dempsey; sister Maureen A. Kendall; Mothers-in-law Janet L. Kirk and Barbara J. Kirk; and brother-in-law Richard J. Ragan. Surviving to hold Michael in their hearts are his beloved wife Shannon Kirk Dempsey and son Henry Coyle Dempsey of San Diego, California; sisters Virginia D. Ragan, Westerville, OH; Patricia M. Dempsey, Lady Lake, FL; Mary T. McAlpin, Snowmass Village, CO; Judith D.{Frank} Hook, Sanibel Island, FL; Nephews John McNamara, Kevin {Andrea} McNamara, Arin McNamara, Nicholas Petitti and Aiden Kirk; Nieces Christina {Hans Peter} Marshall, Heather{Luke} Rogers, Colleen Kendall , Kathleen Kendall, Ella, Emma and Addie Kirk; Father-in-law Kelsey J. Kirk, Carlsbad, CA, brother-in-law Alan {Quyen} Kirk, Reno NV and Grandmother-in-law Frances Watson; aunts Mary Orton, Ruth{Jim} Reynolds and Donna{Dean} Hopkins; Uncles Tom {Barbara} Purdie and Pete Purdie. Services celebrating Michael’s life will be at St. Mary’s Church, 82 E. William Street, Delaware, Ohio, Monday morning May 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Kevin Kavanagh officiating and Father James Black co-celebrating. A lunch reception will be held at 12:00 noon at Eddie’s Merlot’s restaurant, 1570 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, Ohio. The California celebration of Michael’s life will be held at the Church of the Nativity, 6309 El Apajo Rd., Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. A lunch reception will follow at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 at 12:00 noon. In honoring Michael’s generous spirit, his family requests, in lieu of flowers, contributions to a charitable cause. Among those dearest to Michael’s heart are American Wheelchair Table Tennis Association, White Plains, NY; Americares, Stamford Ct; Frank Foundation, Friendship, MD; Recreation Unlimited, Ashley, OH; Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH; and Wheelchair Sports USA; San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA; Scripts Encinitas Hospital, Encinitas, CA; Rady's Childern Hospital, San Diego, CA; Helen Woodward Animal Center, Rancho Sante Fe, CA. 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, Father Kevin Kavanagh, Anne Bare, Bruce Hagan, Anita Laterro, Mike O’Sullivan, Dr Marian Schuda and the Wonderful physicians and staffs of Riverside Methodist Hospital.

Michael Dempsey

April 29, 2009