Longtime Saline teacher, coach Mike Price dies suddenly at age 51
This file was updated to include funeral arrangements.
Longtime Saline teacher and coach Mike Price, 51, died suddenly Thursday night.
Price taught physical education in the Saline school district for 15 years and was in his third year at Heritage School, teaching fourth- and fifth-graders. He taught at Saline Middle School previous to that.
“It’s devastating; he was very much loved by staff and parents. It’s a big loss. He’s the guy you went to when you were feeling down,” said Heritage Principal Les Sharon. “He was just the perfect person, good friend and a great teacher.”
Mike Price
In addition to teaching in Saline, Price coached a variety of sports. He was a longtime assistant with the varsity football program and was a current coach for the middle school track and wrestling teams.
“Whether it was as a coach, teacher, or driver’s ed instructor there’s not too many kids in this community that didn’t have their lives affected by Mike,” said Saline Athletic Director Rob White. “We’re deeply saddened.”
Price’s daughter, Amanda, is a senior captain on Saline’s varsity girls basketball team. The team will play its game at Tecumseh tonight, with a scheduled start time of 7 p.m. According to White, Amanda insisted the team play and urged them to win because “it’s a league game.”
White said Price will be honored with a moment of silence before the boys basketball home varsity game against Tecumseh tonight, which tips off at 7 p.m. There will also be a moment of silence before the home girls basketball game against Chelsea on Tuesday, which starts at 5:30 p.m.
Price is also survived by his wife, Merry, daughter, Renee, and son, Matthew, a sophomore defensive lineman for the Eastern Michigan football team. Mike was a captain for the EMU football team in 1983.
Arrangements for Price include visitation from 5-8 p.m. Saturday and 1-8 p.m. Sunday at Liberty Road Chapel, 3767 W. Liberty Road in Ann Arbor. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Liberty Road Chapel.
Comments
Rj Strong
Tue, Dec 20, 2011 : 2:32 a.m.
Coach Price was my football coach in high school, he taught us more than just football. We taught us to be men, warriors, and pilliars in our community. My foundest high school memories were Thursday night spaghetti at Coach Prices house. My prayers are with his family he was a great man. Rj Strong Muscatine High
mlivesaline
Sat, Dec 17, 2011 : 4:29 p.m.
Mike will be missed. Thanks Pete for a nice story.
Ted
Sat, Dec 17, 2011 : 5:07 a.m.
Rest in peace coach, you will be missed by so many
Hornet
Sat, Dec 17, 2011 : 4:58 a.m.
Great person, great coach, great teacher. He taught my children life lessons that will stay with them forever. We all should aspire to positively influence a fraction of the number of lives that Mike Price touched. He will truly be missed. May God bless his family during this most difficult time.
treetowncartel
Sat, Dec 17, 2011 : 4:40 a.m.
Tough year for Salin athletics, first Dave Hughes and now Mr. Price. I am sure they are now engaged in a heartfelt discussion about Hoke's and Mattison's success with the defense this year. God bless.
stunhsif
Sat, Dec 17, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.
Mr. Price taught two of my 4 children and was also their track coach in middle school. I told my 21 year old daughter of his passing when she came home today after work, she immediately broke down and sobbed for quite a while. I remember her speaking fondly of Mr. Price when I would pick her up after track practices and track meets. Our very sincere condolences and prayers to the Price family and may Mike find peace in the hereafter.
Salinemary
Sat, Dec 17, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.
Rest in peace, Mr. Price. God bless you and your family.
u812
Fri, Dec 16, 2011 : 11:06 p.m.
My Condolences
the leprachaun
Fri, Dec 16, 2011 : 10:03 p.m.
Coach Price was a great track coach to us. "The price is right!" You will be missed Coach.
dasheek
Fri, Dec 16, 2011 : 8:48 p.m.
He was a good man and a good football coach. I will never forget his first year coaching us in football in high school at saline.
Buster W.
Fri, Dec 16, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.
I just received a phone call on this very unfortunate news a few minutes ago. He's my son's 5th grade PE teacher and I'm glad I was able to meet him personally a few months ago. Great guy! My sincere condolences to his family! Rest in peace, Mr. Price.