A cherished coach in Orange County sports whose career spanned almost three decades, Mike Dodd, passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 72.
It was his brother, Daniel Dodd, who shared that Mike took his last breath due to complications from mesothelioma, a type of cancer.
Mike Dodd is survived by his three children and five grandchildren. Likewise, he leaves behind his older brother, Daniel, also known as Dan, his younger sister, Julie, and his brother-in-law, Ed Laird.
The coach, Mike Dodd, undoubtedly made a significant impact on the Orange County sports community. He devoted nearly 30 years to guiding and mentoring young athletes.
Hailing from Westminster, California, he excelled in both baseball and football at Westminster High School.
Thanks to his skills, he was led to Golden West College, where he thrived as a baseball player. Eventually caught the eye of MLB scouts, earning a selection by the Minnesota Twins in the 16th round of the 1973 draft.
Following his professional playing days, Dodd pursued a teaching credential at Long Beach State and began a long and influential career in education and coaching.
From 1982 to 2000, he led the Huntington Beach High School baseball program.
His leadership extended beyond the diamond, as he also served as an assistant football coach and briefly stepped in as interim head football coach in 1996.
In 2000, Dodd expanded his coaching to the college level, taking on a role as assistant football coach at Orange Coast College.
The following year, he became head football coach at Marina High School, a position he held until 2006.
Beyond athletics, Dodd was a beloved educator at both Huntington Beach and Marina High Schools.
Mike Dodd’s Wife, Cathy, Preceded Him in Passing!
Mike Dodd’s passing follows closely on the heels of his wife, Cathy Yohan, marking a deeply sorrowful chapter for those who knew them.
The established coach, Mike Dodd, was married to his lifelong sweetheart, Cathy Yohan, until she took her last breath last year.
He had a blissful married life with his wife, Cathy Yohan, a fellow teacher, and the couple shared three children: Philip, Erin, and Amy.
Mike Dodd and Cathy were also proud grandparents to five grandchildren.
Their daughter, Erin Dodd Ekeroth, is married and has three girls.
Mike Dodd’s brother-in-law, Ed Laird, penned a lengthy tribute post describing him as a beloved coach and a family man.
Ed Laird wrote:
HB lost a great coach today!Mike Dodd 30 year coach of baseball, football, and teaching at Huntington Beach and Marina High Schools died this morning with complications of cancer. Mike will be sorely missed by all sports fans in HB, friends, and most of all his family.
Ed Laird
Dalise Lindsay Falkenstein, a close friend of Mike Dodd, shared an emotional tribute on Facebook as she struggled to come to terms with his unexpected passing.
While overwhelmed with sorrow, she found comfort in the thought that Mike is now reunited with his cherished wife, Cathy.
Reflecting on their years of friendship, she expressed deep grief over his absence, writing:
It has taken me all morning to process this and as I have thought about my years of friendship with Mike Dodd I am left with such heartache and sadness that he is no longer with us. But I rejoice in knowing he is reunited with his beloved wife Cathy. Mike was one of the greats. I will miss him and his comments on my posts and our text exchanges.
Dalise Lindsay Falkenstein
A celebration of Mike Dodd’s life is planned for later this summer, according to his brother Daniel.
During this ordeal, we offer our sincere heartfelt condolences to Mike Dodd’s children, grandchildren, friends, and extended family.
Rest In Peace, Mike Dodd!
