Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Michael Martines Obituary
Michael Palmer
Martines
1945 ~ 2020
Michael P. Martines, better known to most as beloved "Coach Mike", passed away on January 18th at his home in Salt Lake City at the age of 74.
Born on June 27, 1945, and raised in Salt Lake, he was recognized as a gifted athlete at a young age. As a student athlete at East High School, he was a star member of the football and tennis teams, and traveled to tournaments all over the country.
His athletic accomplishments earned him a full scholarship to the University of Utah where her continued to play football and tennis. Shortly after graduation, he became a coach as a way to share his passion for tennis with others across Utah, Hawaii, and Arizona. After settling in Arizona, he met and married Connie O'Connor. Mike and Connie had two sons, Palmer and Murphy. They later divorced, but remained life long friends. Coach Mike returned to Salt Lake City and in 1997 leased the old Dee Smith tennis courts where he established Coach Mike's Tennis Academy. It flourished for 25 years under his direction. Mike was inducted into the Utah Tennis Hall of Fame in 2001. He retired at the age of 72, leaving a legacy in the tennis community.
Mike was proceed in death by his parents Eldon J. Martines and Agnes Eve Palmer Martines, and his brother R.J. Martines. He is survived by his son Palmer and wife Anna, his son Murphy and wife Carrie, his grandson Jett, and his two Labrador Retrievers, Mojo and Agnes. Mike will be remembered as a tennis icon and for his many contributions to the tennis community. He will also be remembered for his love of family, his love of his dogs, and his passion for hunting and the outdoors. His family, friends, and community will miss him deeply.
A celebration of life will be held on March 28th to honor Coach Mike at The Coach Mike's Tennis Academy in Salt Lake. More information to follow.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Coach Mike's Friends of Public Tennis - 501(c)(3)
P.O. Box 17118 Salt Lake City, UT 84117
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Martines
JESSE Tag
March 8, 2020
Palmer When you read this give me a call if you would like to chat about your father, I knew him the last couple years and was a sweet dear friend and someone I was able to look up to. I am so sad to have read this news after trying to contact him and getting the line has been disconnected. 385-210-zer0eight3three. text is best
Mike Day
January 28, 2020
Coach Mike is a great coach , friend, fishing pal.. I appreciate all he taught me about not only tennis but life. Rest in peace dear friend.
This is a very sad day.
Tammy Brown
January 27, 2020
My heart is sad and broken. I will miss you Uncle Mike.
Tara Smith
January 27, 2020
Thank you Mike for sharing your time and talents with us and building tennis in the Salt Lake valley. You will be missed.
Janice
January 27, 2020
rest in peace - the tennis world was a better place with you in it!
The Martines boys ..
connie casement
January 26, 2020
We miss you already .. our hearts are broken.
Walter Widmer
January 25, 2020
Mike is at peace. Happy and playing on the great tennis court at God's Club. I hope we'll play again Mike.
You'll be missed till then.
Walt and Pat
Benjamin Wilson
January 25, 2020
Ben Wilson
January 25, 2020
Ben Wilson
January 25, 2020
Benjamin Wilson
January 25, 2020
Benjamin Wilson
January 25, 2020
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Martines's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Martines
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Martines'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 more
