Michael Arthur King, 54, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 26, 2008. He suffered a heart attack while driving home from a game of golf in his hometown of Palm Bay, Florida. Mike was able to pull to the side of the road but was gone by the time medical help arrived.
A native Floridian, Mike began skateboarding in the late 1960's and became one of the east coast's early pioneers of the sport. He made his mark in skateboarding in the early 1970's skating the infamous Haulover underpass in North Miami Beach. Mike later became a member of the Walker Skateboard Team and competed regularly in contests, routinely driving the Walker team van around the state, ferrying teammates like Rodney Mullen and Jim McCall to contests and demos. As one of the sport's elders, Mike's advice and coaching of the team was an extra bonus to sponsor Bruce Walker. "Mike King was an original. He was such a benefit to have along when we traveled because he kept our teamriders out of trouble by keeping them on track and focused. He was well known for his upbeat, positive attitude and he effected those around him in a very positive way." recalled Walker. "He will be sorely missed."
In 2002, Mike King was nominated for induction into the Florida Skateboard Hall of Fame. While he has not yet been formally inducted, Mike's name has continuously appeared on the nominee list and will again be in consideration for the upcoming induction ceremony, scheduled for January 2009 at Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida.
Mike King is survived by his wife Maria, sons Chris, Richard, and Patrick, and daughter Michelle. His funeral service was held on Friday, August 1, 2008 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Palm Bay. In lieu of flowers, an education fund has been set up. Donations can be made out to Patrick S. King c/o Riverside National Bank, 4625 Babcock St.NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905.
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