Michael William Ettinger passed away suddenly on Saturday July 4, 2020 at 54 years old. The world has lost a great father, husband, son, brother and advocate for youth football.
He began playing football in 1977 for North Surrey Minor Football and continued to junior football with the Surrey Rams. When he was 15 years old, he began volunteering/coaching in multiple sports that included soccer, baseball, lacrosse and football. After a brief break from football, he returned to North Surrey Minor Football Association to coach his sons when they were of age to play. Mike spent 13 seasons coaching atom to bantam before moving to Coquitlam Minor Football Association to coach the midget team. After one year in Coquitlam, Mike was on the move again to bring back the midget team for North Delta Football Association. He spent the next 8 seasons as head coach before stepping up to become the President of their football association, a position he held until his passing.
Some of Mike’s football accomplishments include many VMFL Championship and Provincial Championships as well as several Orange Helmet Awards. Mike didn’t coach for the glory, he coached to make an impact in young people's lives and to make sure every child regardless of their financial situation was given the opportunity to play sports.
Mike’s love of coaching eventually led him to his wife Ursula. They were married June 24, 1995 and shortly before his passing celebrated 25 years of marriage.
He is survived by his loving wife Ursula, children Nathan (Jenise), Dennis (Taryn), Dana-Rae (John), Jolene and his grandchildren, Stella, Gavin, Rocco, Parker and Lucca, his many sisters and brothers as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by this father, Carl Ettinger and his mother Virginia (Bonnie) Ettinger.
He will be laid to rest at Sunnyside Lawn Cemetery, 14850 28th Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia. There will be a private service for his immediate family and later a celebration of his life to take place in September with details to be released soon.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to any youth sports organization, North Delta Football Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. View Tribute Book.
December 2nd, 2022
We send our deepest condolences to Ursula and all of their wonderful family.
Bev Walter and Jom Greene
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