Tuesday, April 27, 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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