Michael Comstock

1948 - 2021

Michael Comstock obituary, 1948-2021, San Francisco, CA

Michael Comstock

1948 - 2021

BORN

1948

DIED

2021

Michael Comstock Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Apr. 20 to Apr. 25, 2021.
Michael Patrick Comstock

Michael Patrick Comstock died unexpectedly of a heart attack on March 31, 2021. He was 72.
Born on July 27, 1948, in Oakland, to Louis Frederick and Melba Jean Comstock, Michael grew up in Lafayette with his younger sister, Mary. He went to Lafayette Elementary for kindergarten, and then Sacred Heart Grammar School in Oakland.
He attended St. Mary's High School in Berkeley, graduating in 1966. He went on to study at UC Davis and played defensive end on the football team. He graduated with an Economics degree in 1970, and later received his MBA from Golden Gate University. Michael was a career accountant, working for Bechtel, Kaiser, Polymer Technology Group, Frank & Grossman, and Exthera MedTech.
While at Davis, Michael first encountered what would become the two loves of his life: Kathleen Teresa Rooney and rugby. The couple dated for their remaining years at Davis, marrying in 1972.
Michael and Kathleen have three amazing sons - Christopher, Brian, and Kevin - two wonderful daughters-in-law Bree and Sarah, and five fantastic grandchildren: Haley, Keegan, Will, Andrew, and Finn. Always a loving parent and grandparent, Michael could always be counted on for words of wisdom or a silly joke.
Michael was asked if he wanted to play rugby during his junior year at Davis, and once he said yes, he began a journey that would profoundly affect his life and the lives of so many others. Over the next fifty plus years, he played for the Contra Costa Cowboys, San Francisco/Golden Gate, the Marin Reds, and any other club that needed a Prop.
Michael's rugby home away from home was the Polo Fields in San Francisco, and he would often arrive hours before kickoff to "tape up," but really to talk with teammates, opponents, and anyone else hanging around. As much as he loved playing the game, he loved the people even more. Whether he'd known you for twenty years or twenty seconds, Michael would be able to socialize and feel at ease, especially in a rugby setting. He formed friendships that lasted a lifetime, touring the world with Kathleen and dear friends on the Bald Eagles and Paclantic.
Because of the way Michael played on the pitch, and the great friend, husband, father and grandfather he was off it, he is and always will be a legend.
A celebration of the incredible life of Michael Patrick Comstock will be held when it is safe for all to gather and toast the man. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in his name to the charity of your choice.

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April 21, 2025

Warren posted to the memorial.

December 15, 2021

Chris Tio posted to the memorial.

August 11, 2021

Matt Klunis posted to the memorial.

Warren

April 21, 2025

still missed Mr. shark!

Chris Tio

December 15, 2021

I was honored to be called handsome by Mike Comstock. He was always personable and approachable. He gave me a rugby shirt from Arizona when he found out I used to play! Always a pleasure working with him. My heart goes out to his family. Rest in Paradise!

Matt Klunis

August 11, 2021

I was blessed to be a teammate of Mike for a short while at SFRFU. Rest In Peace ! Best thoughts to his Family

Philip Cuadra

July 29, 2021

I'm sorry to hear Mike passed away. He was a very nice guy with a great sence of humor, a fine athlete. I played Rugby with him for a few years before he left the team to play with the bats. I always had very good memories of him.

Monika Yungert

May 14, 2021

A true legend, friend, husband, father and grandfather - he has touched so many lives and his spirit will live on. You are missed beyond words can express. Love and tight hugs to the entire Comstock family!
Love George, Monika, Emma and Sabina

Joe Forster

May 12, 2021

I watched Mike play at the polo grounds many Saturdays when I was very young. Mike hit much harder than anyone else on the field. The man had fire in his belly. He had a big impact in me. Even when I saw him many years later, he was still hitting hard. I liked Mike, he was a friend of my dad.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Lon Sharp/Betsy Cardell

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Mike Chaput

April 30, 2021

I played against Mike early in my career, while he was enjoying veteran status and he made a genuine point of both trying to help my game and run me over! I then played with him a bit here and there as I eventually entered the veteran stages, but then somehow coached him, once I retired! It was backward, but it made all manner of sense if you knew Mike. A standing testimony to his mental and physical durability, his deep-rooted desire and obvious, natural love for the sport and its all it’s wonderful allure. For those who know, Mike was bitten and smitten! He was a man of great character and intelligence, but also openness and true acceptance. He was certainly a hard man - a piece of cement physically (and a perfect prop) - but I could go years without seeing him, then inevitably run into him preparing for a game and he would instantly light up and invest real time into a conversation. He was a delight to be around and it was my honor to call him a friend. I and we all, will miss him immensely.

Jonathan Owen

April 27, 2021

Mike was an incredible guy and someone who made me feel so welcome when I moved from the UK and joined the reds.

He was the first to say hi at practice and the first to check in with you on how life is going. At the same time he was tough as nails and an intense competitor on the field... just a top man.

Mike, you will be sorely missed. Rest easy bud.

Jon owen

Austin Berke

April 27, 2021

Mike was one of the toughest and kindest people I have ever had the privilege of meeting.
I will never forget my first season with the REDS and all of the things he taught me when I was getting started.
Seeing this man decimate guys more than half his age on the pitch was a sight to see and a true inspiration.
Mike is a true legend in every sense of the word.
Until we meet again my friend!

Mark Mullin

April 27, 2021

I haven't seen Mike in 10, maybe 15 years. Probably last crossing paths at a rugby event of some sort in the Bay Area. But what I can say, is I remember his voice quite well after all this time. I remember his demeanor & the respect he generated at these rugby events. Everyone knew him, it was amazing. I played with Chris in high school, against him in college and thus saw Mike fairly often in these years. I always enjoyed talking with Mike and he was a role model for us young bucks. Toughness, a sense of humor, loyalty and fun off the field. That's what I will remember.

All my best to the Comstock family, Mike will be missed.

Mark Mullin

Leslie & Scott Gordon

April 26, 2021

We miss you, Mike!

Ken Bousfield

April 25, 2021

Honest, hard working, tough on and off the rugby field.

Warren Bernoff

April 25, 2021

Truly bigger than life & my pal....

John McDermott

April 24, 2021

I never knew his name. But I knew his face. I took that picture for a Sports Illustrated story on rugby in 1979(the story was published about a year later). The story was supposed to be mainly about the Monterey Rugby Tournament and I had actually finished shooting it. But on a whim I went to one more game, in Golden Gate Park at the Polo Fields just to see if it would be any good. The light was great, so was the action, and this shot, from that game, ended up being the best picture in the story. Thank you, Michael. Sorry we never met. May you rest in peace.

Kevin

April 21, 2021

Rest in peace, rugby legend.

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April 21, 2025

Warren posted to the memorial.

December 15, 2021

Chris Tio posted to the memorial.

August 11, 2021

Matt Klunis posted to the memorial.