Mike Sechrist, an individual acclaimed for his sharp business acumen, not only achieved substantial success in his professional life but also found his truest passion in the beautiful game of soccer.
He fully immersed himself in the sport he adored, whether it was playing, watching, or officiating. For decades, he dedicated himself to refereeing matches at every level, including high school playoffs and collegiate contests, proving his deep commitment to the sport.
According to Steve Larsen, the individual responsible for assigning Sechrist the majority of his local matches, it was clear that Sechrist’s motivation to referee transcended the modest stipend typically offered to officials. He officiated out of sheer love for the game and a heartfelt desire to support young athletes in their pursuit of soccer.
On Nov. 8, Sechrist held the pivotal role of center official for the North Coast Section Div. 2 semifinal boys game that featured Sonoma Academy vs. The Bentley School. As the highly competitive match entered overtime and tensions rose, disaster struck; Sechrist collapsed unexpectedly near midfield.
Swift action from Sonoma Academy’s athletic trainer, Sarah Goble, alongside a number of medical professionals present on the sidelines and in the stands, became crucial. They rushed to the field and fervently began administering aid, employing an automated external defibrillator to attempt to restore normal heart rhythm while administering CPR. Tragically, despite their efforts, Sechrist never regained consciousness and passed away.
Goble suspects that he experienced cardiac arrest during the match. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
He was just 62 years old.
“Soccer was the passion of his life, and he loved being out there with the kids,” reflected Kelley Sechrist, his devoted wife of nearly three decades, who found solace in the fact that he died doing what he cherished most. “He died right where he should have. He loved being on the field with the kids.”
Born on Aug. 24, 1962, in Lompoc, Calif., Mike Sechrist was the youngest of Judy and Dwain Sechrist’s three children. From a young age, he showcased ambition; at just 16, Sechrist discovered his dream of becoming a paramedic.
His aspirations led him to attend the esteemed Daniel Freeman Memorial Hospital Paramedic School, after which he started his career working in San Francisco and later in Santa Clara.
Fate brought him together with Kelley Gleason in 1993 while he worked for Redwood Empire Life Support in Sonoma County. She was employed at a hospital where he had just delivered a patient in an ambulance.
“I was so curious about him,” Kelley recounted fondly, leading to their first date and the beginning of a beautiful journey together. Their instant chemistry was evident, but an impending vacation to Germany caused a brief separation.
“When I came back, my whole porch was filled with flowers,” she recalled, cherishing the romantic gesture. Excitement characterized their early relationship; they even embraced an adventurous spirit by going skydiving together, which they enjoyed so much that they eventually got certified.
Travelling to far-flung locations, they dove into the depths of oceans and enjoyed live shows and theater outings. The rhythm of their lives was also entrenched in dance, a passion shared by Mike, whose parents had instilled the art form in him.
“His parents taught dance, and they won awards, so my husband had great rhythm,” Kelley Sechrist noted, emphasizing how this talent added an extra layer of joy to their relationship. The couple tied the knot in 1997 and continued to flourish as partners.
When their first son was an infant, Sechrist surprised Kelley with a bold announcement: “He said, ‘I quit my job today,’” a moment that showcased his courage and vision. Shortly thereafter, he cofounded ProTransport-1 in 2000, providing timely transport for nonemergency medical patients and quickly establishing a reputation for excellence.
Under Sechrist’s leadership, the company’s growth was nothing short of remarkable, propelling it to a national status and earning it a consistent spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing businesses.
“He had a brilliant business mind,” Kelley reflected on her husband’s extraordinary capabilities. “My god, we were busy.” After more than a decade of success, Sechrist sold his share of the company and transitioned into consulting with Strategic Initiatives.
“People were always asking him, ‘How’d you do it? We want to do what you did; I want to build a company and sell it,’” Kelley shared, illustrating the impact of Sechrist’s achievements and the respect he commanded in the business community.
While excelling in the business world, he continued to pursue his passions. The family acquired a horse ranch nestled in the picturesque hills of west Petaluma, where they embraced a fulfilling lifestyle that celebrated both nature and community. Following in the footsteps of his younger son, Sechrist developed an unexpected love for ice hockey.
Driven by his son Chase’s enthusiasm, Sechrist played a pivotal role in founding the Tahoe Hockey Academy, a unique boarding school program designed to educate and train young hockey players, which flourished on 16 acres in South Lake Tahoe starting in 2016.
“My son Chase plays hockey and Mike just loved it,” Kelley commented with pride, noting how Mike was determined to keep their son local instead of sending him to distant opportunities in Minnesota or Canada. Sechrist’s entrepreneurial spirit also led him to invest and serve on the board of managers for Epicenter in Santa Rosa.
“He was a tremendous businessman and partner,” expressed Pat McDonald, a fellow board member who recognized Sechrist’s steady presence during the challenges posed by the pandemic. “Mike’s steady presence during COVID and in the past few years were a large part of our ability to still be open.”
In the world of soccer, veteran referee Steve Larsen praised Sechrist as one of the best officials he has ever encountered in his decades of work with the North Bay Soccer Referee Association.
“He was one of the best in terms of handling difficult situations,” Larsen remarked. “He didn’t take a lot of garbage from anybody, but he did so with compassion and finesse. He was very smart. He would pick and choose his battles wisely and had a knack for tuning them out, but he also knew when they had crossed the line. When he made up his mind to discipline, there was no mistaking it.”
How did Mike Sechrist’s approach to entrepreneurship reflect the values he demonstrated as a soccer referee?
**Interview with Kelley Sechrist: Remembering Mike Sechrist’s Passion for Soccer and Entrepreneurship**
*Editor:* Thank you for joining us today, Kelley. We’re here to honor Mike’s legacy as both a devoted soccer referee and a successful entrepreneur. Can you share what made soccer such a vital part of his life?
*Kelley Sechrist:* Thank you for having me. Soccer truly was Mike’s passion. From playing to officiating, it was where he felt most alive. He loved being on the field, guiding and supporting young athletes. His motivation to referee wasn’t monetary; it was all about nurturing the love for the game in the kids.
*Editor:* It’s clear that he had a profound impact on many young players. What do you think motivated him to dedicate so much of his time to refereeing despite his busy business life?
*Kelley Sechrist:* Mike’s heart was in soccer. He was good at it, and he wanted to give back to the community. Every game was an opportunity for him to mentor and encourage the athletes. In his eyes, being on the field was sacred, and it brought him immense joy, especially being part of something that meant so much to others.
*Editor:* You mentioned his impressive business acumen as well. Can you describe how he balanced his entrepreneurial ventures with his passion for soccer?
*Kelley Sechrist:* Mike was undeniably busy—his mind was always innovating. After co-founding ProTransport-1 and leading it to success, he still made time for soccer. He believed the values of teamwork and discipline in sports mirrored those in business. Striking that balance was part of what made him so extraordinary.
*Editor:* Reflecting on the tragic event during the match, how has the community reacted to his passing, and what message do you want to share about his legacy?
*Kelley Sechrist:* The outpouring of love and respect from the community has been overwhelming. Many people have reached out to share how he touched their lives on and off the field. Mike inspired courage, joy, and a sense of belonging through soccer and his business endeavors. I want everyone to remember him for not just his achievements but for his kind spirit and the love he spread.
*Editor:* It’s heartwarming to hear about his impact. Is there a final thought you’d like to leave with our readers about Mike?
*Kelley Sechrist:* Absolutely. He lived a life of service and passion, always striving to uplift those around him. If there’s any takeaway from his life, it’s to pursue what you love wholeheartedly. Whether it’s soccer, business, or any other passion, live fully and embrace every moment.
*Editor:* Thank you, Kelley, for sharing these insights into Mike’s life. His legacy will certainly live on through the countless lives he touched.
