Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Mike Whitmarsh Obituary
His body was found Tuesday at a home in Solana Beach, just north of San Diego, said San Diego County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Jan Caldwell. The medical examiner's office said an autopsy showed Whitmarsh committed suicide with carbon monoxide from car exhaust.
Whitmarsh teamed with Mike Dodd to take the silver medal in the inaugural beach volleyball competition at the Atlanta Olympics. The team lost to Karch Kiraly and Kent Steffes in an all-U.S. final.
"We are shocked and saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of Mike Whitmarsh," USA Volleyball CEO Doug Beal said in a statement. "The Olympic volleyball family and all of USA Volleyball have lost a wonderful person and remarkable athlete and performer.
"Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to his family for their loss at this tragic time."
Whitmarsh also played basketball at the University of San Diego, leading the Toreros to their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1984. He later switched to beach volleyball.
"Mike was a great alum and did great things for the school, and we will miss him greatly," athletic director Ky Snyder said.
Whitmarsh is survived by his wife, Cindy, and two daughters.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
72 Entries
February 21, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Richard Roscher
July 27, 2014
Spent time with Mike while at the Olympics in Atlanta, played golf, had some great dinners, he was a super guy... So sorry to hear this news
Kelli
February 17, 2014
Got a chance to watch you play beach in Santa Cruz many moons ago. It was an awesome site. RIP
kelly wayne middleton
January 21, 2013
I'm sorry for you and my friend brain ,both of you died to young and I'm glad to have been your close freind
How you can show support
August 4, 2012
Just can't forget Mike! We lived in Germany together during his basketball years and had so much fun. My family talks about our memories with Mike so often !!!! He was a great athlete and an even greater person!
Ray Miederhoff
April 12, 2010
Just relieving some memories of your great career. Miss the old days of watching the AVP legends playing in the Texas tournments that I could attend. I'll have to re-watch on tape the great 1994 Seal Beach comeback victory against Karch & Kent. Thoughts and prayers to you and to your family and friends that miss you.
July 9, 2009
I'm so sad to lose him. He was a giant of a human being. I met him several times over the years at Belmar, where he truly was the king of the beach. He was very kind to me and impressed me even more as a person than he did as a player even though he revolutionized the game. My sympathies to his loved ones & please remember his life not the manner of his passing.
M R
June 10, 2009
Finnish fans of Whit will miss him, a great person and a great player.
So sad...
David Alaniz
May 29, 2009
I was shocked to know Mike had passed. He was and is an inspiration to all that love the game of volleyball. Having only one opportunity to meet Mike, he was a gentle giant. The world will miss Mike, he will never be forgotten.
M F
May 1, 2009
I pray for him and his family. Mostly I pray that he knew Jesus. A great guy. Keep his family in your prayers.
Keith M
April 23, 2009
This is so sad to see. I saw him play so many times in both dallas and at the KOB tourney in Waltdisney world in thew 90s. Even have a photo taken with dodd, whit, and myself. This is one of my most memorable moments. He was a kind gental person with a monster block and a gental touch. I heard of his passing while playing on wednesday night in the sand. Mike you will be missed.
Mark
March 16, 2009
I just read this on-line and I am really shocked and saddened by Whitmarsh's passing.
I saw Whitmarsh play in a lot of the So. Cal AVP tournaments my brother, friends, and I used to go to back in the day. It was great to see him and Dodd play together. Whitmarsh was an intimidiating player at the net, but from his interviews, seemed like just a very humble and regular person.
I never knew him or his family, but all of my sympathy to his wife and children.
Thanks for the great memories and games Mike. Rest is peace...
Tony Jones
March 10, 2009
I got to see Mike play for the gold in the inaugural Beach Volleyball event at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. It was exciting to watch him play and I got to meet him and get an autograph after the match. He was very nice to the fans and a great athlete. My condolences to the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dana Hiler
March 7, 2009
Mike, I just talked to you about 6 months ago, you seemed in good spirits.
I helped Randy train Mike in Australia on the PBVA tour. He didn't need much from me. I helped him through his stomach cramping issues sometimes when we were in Australia (esp. at St. Kilda when he went to the hospital). The world is a sader place today without you and your smile. May you rest in peace. May Cindy and your family be comforted at this, their time of loss. You will be missed sir.
Mike Z
March 3, 2009
I remember when they cracked Karch and Kent at Seal Beach back in the day. Whitty, you left a mark and you presence will always be felt by the entire volleyball community. Sorry it had to end this way. Thoughts are deep and true from the entire Rye Beach community.
Eric
March 1, 2009
My condolences to the Whitmarsh family. I had the opportunity to meet Mike and Mike Dodd at the Cincinnati AVP tournament in the earky 90's. They both showed up at our local sand volleyball club one night as part of the tour's outreach. Instead of just giving us a little clinic, they came out and let us play against them. It was the thrill of my life to go against two players at the top of the AVP tour! Both players very friendly were just "one of the guys". Mike will be greatly missed.
Kathie
February 28, 2009
I had the pleasure of meeting Mike & Mike Dodd the year they won Jose Cuervo in Clearwater. For years I followed their wins. It broke my heart to hear of Mike's passing. My prayers go out to his wife and daughters.
Curt Creel
February 28, 2009
Unbelievable loss. I first met Mike in 1994 and was struck by his "gentle giant" persona. Working with him (indirectly thru Club Sportswear and later directly thru the AVP) was a certainly a trip... didn't he invent the between match saline drip?
As a fan, I found him personable and approachable (even at the Atlanta games).
As a player, I enjoyed his intensity and competitive spirit.
As a colleague, I admired his enthusiasm and professionalism.
The volleyball community truly lost an icon, and he will be missed.
tracy haley
February 27, 2009
I went to Cincinnati in the early 90's to see Kent and Karch. I left Cincinnati wanting to be like Mike. Condolences from Kentucky.
Terry lancaster
February 27, 2009
Meet Mike thru his dads wife Barie,she called and ask me if i knew this guy that plays sand volleyball named Mike Whitmarsh,know him he is my Hero! We meet in Dallas at the AVP that weekend and he won! He will always be my Hero! To his wife Cindy and his 2 daughters i am sorry for your loss of a husband and father!
Colleen Lister
February 27, 2009
Just wanted to let you know, Cindy, that I have been praying for you and your family since the news of Mike's passing. I am a fan of yours and I pray God's peace and comfort to you through these difficult days.
Phil Bush
February 25, 2009
We are all saddend by this loss. Mike always seemed to have a kind word for all. For Cindy and his children, I hope that you find comfort in the memories.
Deborah Fielder-Loughran
February 24, 2009
Our family was saddened to hear of the passing of Mike. My brother Mark and Whit were good friends, students at Monte Vista and played basketball together under coach Pete Colinelli. Mike was funny, extremely athletic and such a great guy. Our sympathy goes out to Cindy and the girls. God speed Mike - you will be missed by so many.
The Robert Fielder Family
Brent and DeLisa Aldridge
February 24, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls Cindy.
We miss you and love you!
Shari Mueller
February 24, 2009
Dear Whitmarsh Family, Cindy and girls.
I had the honor of Meeting the Mikes (as we called them) in Chicago and became a fan right away. Spent many years following the tour and seeing them as often as we could. They are great athletes and gentlemen. Kind, always made time for us..I have lots of great pictures. I got to meet you Cindy and spend time watching Mike play. The girls were so little. Cindy you then helped me with my struggles. My prayers and strength go out to you. Let the good memories help you through this time. Let him lift you up on angels wings.
A fan forever in Michigan.
Kathleen San Martino
February 24, 2009
To Cindy and her daughters, please accet my condolences. I do not know Mike at all but I felt compelled to write. As a suicide survior since May 4, 2007, I empathize with your family's pain. It is so sad you are expericiencing this.
Carri Smith-Edwards
February 23, 2009
I am so saddened by the loss of Mike. I knew Mike in the days of Grossmont College . He did what others can only dream about doing. He will be remembered and cherished for ever.
S. Smith
February 23, 2009
To the Whitmarsh Family - offering prayers to you during this very sad time.
Mike was a classmate and neighbor of mine at USD. I saw him every year he played in Hermosa. Great guy, always friendly and always had a warm hello for a fellow Torero.
God bless .....
Johnny Manriquez
February 23, 2009
Mike: You are a true champion and will be missed greatly. Your kindness and grace will be remembered forever.
Chele
February 23, 2009
May God give you the strength you need to get through each day.
Terry McLean
February 23, 2009
I did not know this gentleman, but I would like to offer my deepest condolences to his family. I just lost a very close friend yesterday and I know what you guys are going through. My prayers are with you all. I am staying strong because I know that I will see my friend and also Mike again which will be our fist meeting. Stay strong. He is now in the Right Hands of God.
Danny Evans
February 23, 2009
Lets think of the good things and what an inspiration he was to many. All the best to his family at this difficult time.
Char LaFleur
February 23, 2009
Dear Cindy - to you, your sweet daughters, your family and friends... I'm certain Mike loved you all with all he was... Sometimes, in this crazy life - people get lost somehow & can't find their way back. Know Mike rests now in GOD's loving arms, at true peace... You will see Mike again in GOD's grand Eternity when your works here on Earth for GOD are done... Until then, know GOD & Mike are with you, walking every step of your ways with you... I pray that GOD give you comfort now - as only HE can do... With love & deepest sympathy... Char LaFleur
Robert DERDERIAN
February 22, 2009
To Mike and his dear family:
I did not know of Mike until now. I came near the same fate, but by the Grace of God I survived. Volleyball happens to be my favorite sport and always will be. My heart goes out to all of you. My prayer for Mike is that he rest in the Peace of our Lord and you his family live in that same Peace until you are reunited with Mike in the Presence of Our Lord eternally. God Bless you always and in all ways.
Coleen F.
February 22, 2009
Cindy and family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Late this morning I heard the news about Mike on the Sid and Dave show on WCCO AM in Minneapolis. In the summer of 1996 I met Mike at the Dayton’s store at in Minnetonka (suburb of Minneapolis). He was there doing a player appearance. I brought my 35 mm to Dayton’s to take his photo. As the line wasn’t long, he signed an individual photo card for my entire co-ed sand volleyball team. I was going to leave when the Dayton’s employee suggested that I had my photo taken with him as I had the camera. I said that wasn’t necessary as I just wanted his photo. Then Mike changed my mind by insisting that I join him for a photo. The Dayton’s employee took the 35 mm camera and she didn’t know how to focus it. Mike jokingly said something about why I would bring in a 35 mm camera when nobody except me could use it. Mike politely asked me to focus it for her and show her what to do. So I did. It ended up being a great photo of us next to a store mannequin. I was about to leave when Mike told me that he almost ended up in Minneapolis as he was the last player to be cut by the Minnesota Timberwolves in their inaugural season (that was 20 years ago). I didn’t know that fact. He thanked me for taking the time to visit with him. He wished my volleyball team the best.
The following week when our team played I recounted the story at Dayton’s and gave them their autographed copy of Mike.
Most years that the AVP was in Minneapolis I was there watching them.
A fan of the Whitmarsh/Dodd team.
Kraft Family
February 22, 2009
Cindy I can't imagine what you are going through but know that Mike is at peace now. Surround yourself with the love of your family and friends and hold your daughters close.
Tami Hauglie
February 22, 2009
Dear Whitmarsh Family,
May you be comforted in this time of saddness. I was fortunate to have meet Mike when he came to North Dakota with Cindy. I also enjoyed watching him play volleyball.
May you rest in peace.
Cindy, I am thinking about and praying for you.
Tami Hauglie(Family friend of Cindy's)
February 21, 2009
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. The love you have will keep your beautiful memories close to your heart. We read at Phili:4:7 "...and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard our hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." May God give you strength in the days and months to come. Your family will be in my prayers.
Billy Washington
February 21, 2009
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. I grew up in San Diego playing basketball against Mike in High School. We were friends off the court. He will be missed. God Bless,
Nick Schneider
February 21, 2009
Whitty-
I grew up watching you play with all the guys from Costa like MD, Canyon and David. Those were my idols and watching you was inspiring. Seeing you transition from hardwod to the beach and dominate showed a lot of us young guys that you truly can do anything if you put your mind to it. I saw you after Walshie won Manhattan this past september. I was with your little brother casey J and instead of wondering why I'm going to keep your smile and how u lit up any place with the mere presence of your being be the lasting memories I have and will keep with me. You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to everyone you touched as well as your family in these trying times.
Michelle
February 21, 2009
I remember Mike from my days living in Manhattan Beach in the early 90s. Always a smile and friendly face. Sorry to hear about this tragedy.
Randi Pullen
February 21, 2009
My heart goes out to Cindy and her children, my husband did the same thing last year and left me and my 2 children behind. Lots of time, love, and support, surround yourselves with good friends.....and family.....
Lisa
February 21, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Mike. He was a childhood friend and neighbor of mine, and I'll never forget him. I pray his family will be comforted by happy memories.
mimi Kmetz
February 21, 2009
I did not know any of you before
reading the article. He was a very handsome man and I know your loss is great. God Bless you all. mimi kmetz
Shirley Griffin
February 21, 2009
Whitmarsh Family:
Please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear loved one may the God of all comfort and tender mercies be with you in your time of deep sorrow.
2Corinthian 1:3 and 4
Faye
February 21, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gail HERNDON
February 20, 2009
My deepest sympathy and sincerest prayers and love to you Cindy and the girls. (Kersten's mom)
Hank and Judy Egan
February 20, 2009
To the family of Mike Whitmarsh.....Hank and Judy Egan send our deepest sympathy at the loss of Mike's life. We both remember him during our time at USD.......a great athlete, wonderful person. We will all miss his presence.
Fred Valerio
February 20, 2009
You have your gold medal now MIke. Enjoy that bliss of heaven forever and ever.
(Just a fan)
Hope M
February 20, 2009
I extend my deepest sympathies to the Whitmarsh family. I was an avid fan of Mike's and hope that the good memories of him will help everyone through this very traumatic time.
February 20, 2009
My deepest sympathy to all of Mike's family - At this time of grief, it seems almost impossible to look beyond it - But please remember life does go on, and you need to live as you know he would have wanted you to. Love and especially the love of our Lord, are very powerful comforters. God bless you all.
Tom
February 20, 2009
God bless his wife and children
Sheila Smith
February 20, 2009
May the angels lead you into paradise.
Steve Feld
February 20, 2009
Mike had given me alot of injoyment on the volleyball court -great player and man.Loved watching him play.May peace with him.
LORI FARRAR
February 19, 2009
MIKE WHITMARSH AND HIS FAMILY IS IN MY PRAYERS. I HOPE GOD PROTECTS THIS FAMILY FOREVER AND EVER.
Myron Jenkins
February 19, 2009
Sorry to hear we lost Mike. I met him in June of '96 at an appearance in Chicago's Marshall Field's. He signed a picture and was very nice. Rest in peace.
Jan E.
February 19, 2009
I am a friend of Kristen's, Mike's sister-n-law. I will be praying for all of you to have the strength and peace during this extremely difficult time. May God be with all of you.
patti
February 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Mike, his family, friends, the Volleyball Community, and especially his two daughters...May they find the strength and know how much their Dad loved them even though he was going through a very tough time in his life...
D. ZIMMERMAN
February 19, 2009
REST IN PEACE MIKE WHITMARSH
A Fan
February 19, 2009
Oh Mike you made me sad today. Hope you rest in peace--your are in my prayers. My heart goes out to Cindy and the girls at this time and in the days ahead.
Greg
February 19, 2009
I did not know of Mike until reading this. I am 47 and have been where he was just a few months ago but survived it. I know the kind of pain that puts someone there and I will never forget him until I meet him on the other side where the warm gentle breezes have taken his pain away. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten Mike.
Kim
February 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Ashley Pietro
February 19, 2009
I am very heart broken to hear the news. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike in 1994 at King of the Beach in Orlando, Florida. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Joyce Sierp
February 19, 2009
I am so sad to hear this news. I enjoyed watching the Whitmarsh/Todd team, and saw him play in Florida Beach tournaments. He was a great man. May God be with Mike's family and friends.
Curtis Stoklos
February 19, 2009
My deepest sympathies
James Laliberte
February 19, 2009
Wow, I am a sad Canadian fan. I watched that game in 1996. I am sorry to about his passing. Hope, Love, Peace.
John E Flannery
February 19, 2009
May the Good Lord shine a light on you, warm, like the evening sun.
Love,
Hannah, Shane Septembre and John E. Flannery
Shelley
February 19, 2009
So sorry to hear of our loss to the volleyball world
Showing 1 - 72 of 72 results
Make a Donation
in Mike Whitmarsh's name
How to support Mike's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Mike Whitmarsh's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored