Michael Edward Henry was born August 23, 1942 in Elgin, Illinois. Mike's parents were Ruth and Hank Henry.
Mike leaves behind his wife Barbara, three step-sons, Mark (Kristen), Joe Atilano and Matt Atilano (Laura) and his six beautiful grandchildren, Sierra, Makenna, Josh, Karson, Jack and Juliet. Mike also leaves behind his three younger brothers with whom he shared so much history and love, Bruce Henry (Janice), Matt Henry (Sarah), and Phil Henry. Mike's nieces and nephews were very important to him and always made him smile; Jake, Nate, Robin and Tricia.
Mike attended school in Dixon, Illinois before continuing his education at Drake University. After Drake Mike received his Master's Degree. His first teaching job was in Barstow before he moved to Manteca where he taught at Lincoln Elementary, Nile Garden Elementary and then onto Manteca High School where he taught math. Mike coached Boys' Basketball and Girls' Golf. Along the way he made lifelong coaching friends that left us too soon. Alex Henderson, Terry Fix, Butch Linn, Joe Miller, Lorraine Goff, Art Mathis, Jan Kizlin and Walker Vick. The camaraderie and closeness of coaches cannot be explained.
From the Greater Tequila Open (The GTO) and March Madness, many get-togethers and golf trips, it was truly a special bond of Forever Family of Friends. Mike was fortunate to play many prestigious courses, including the "Old Course" in Scotland with college friend, Bill Feeny, It was Mikes skill, ability passion and rapport as a basketball coach that made him successful. Mike was proud to have coached "his boys" to the V.O.L-Sac-Joaquin Sections, Div. II Championship in 1986. Mike received the Valley Oak League Coach of the Year award twice.
Mike was inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame and the Manteca High School Hall of Fame. In his prime, Mike was an avid snow and water skier, a runner and golfer, Mike hiked to the top of Mt. Whitney and Mt. Shasta and rafted down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
At home, Mike, along with Mark, Joe, and Matt enjoyed countless hours watching the Chicago White Sox, Arizona Cardinals, and occasionally Drake basketball. A family tradition was sitting in the black recliners and watching any and all athletic events. Mike's family and friends embraced, loved and supported him.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to Nora and Jon Remolona Guest Home. Their timeless and compassionate care meant so very much to us. Also our deep appreciation goes to Dr. Sain and Dr. Bobson for always doing all they could to make Mike's journey as comfortable as possible.
Mike's service will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, <B>March 9<B>, at 11 a.m.
A Celebration of Life will follow at Chez Shari, Manteca Golf Course.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to send a donation to the Manteca High School Athletic Boosters.
Manteca (Calif,) Bulletin
Saturday, February 25, 2023
