I worked with Mike for 9 years at Warner Hollywood Studios and he was not only great at his job but also what I considered a good friend.  I talked to him a few months ago and it was like no years had passed even though some 20 years had.  My call out of the blue, I think was fun to talk old times for both of us.  I'm sorry I won't be able to do it again.  Read sorry he has passed.  R..I. P.  you will be missed.

I find this a very strange thing to be doing. There is this large part of me that still has disbelief and a disconnect that Mikey has passed. I feel like I could call him today and still enjoy his special friendship, jokes and enthusiasm. 
I am having great difficulty processing this....as many are. 
No one else had Mike's unique personality. I still hear that special laugh and see the mischievous expressions! 
Mike and I first met about 45 years ago at Snyder Ambulance in Burbank. I was a know-nothing kid from Burbank that had no idea what Ambulance work was really like. Thank God he took me under his wing and helped me so much. I couldn't possibly list what I learned about rescue work and life lessons from Mike. We even came close to starting our own Ambulance Company back then, mostly due to Mike's knowledge and perseverance. Some of the best times in my life were because Mike let me be a part of his life as a friend. 
As he transitioned to the Studios and became well-known and liked by so many, he again did everything he could to help me into that industry. I was always welcomed onto his studio lots with open arms and great tours with stories.
Mike was so creative. I loved his ideas. I loved his stories. I loved his unwavering enthusiasm. His never quit attitude. His work ethic. His sense of humor and kindness.
Many of us found it outlandish and stupefying that he didn't have the large degree of success and fame he so richly deserved. We recently were talking about a few of his projects. He was getting ready to mount another strategy with Rod, Azalia, John and I after a recent TV Agent response. 
To Kathy and Family; I'm not sure how to express my sympathy to you in the face of such a great loss. My heart goes out to each of you. I wish you loving hope and healing. We all care about you, and our hearts hold our times with Mike profoundly close. 
Mike, buddy.....thanks beyond words, my special friend. Godspeed.

Mike will be missed. We had a lot of laughs in the Sony Medical Dept. He taught me CPR and AED. I became a certified instructor. 
Sorry for the family’s loss.
Dianne Williams

Thanks for your many years of friendship.
R.I.P Mike!

Steven,  
SAG-AFTRA Member.

I found this early photograph of Mike giving me one of his memorably detailed studio lot tours, that were often interrupted by someone in need of medical attention. Everyone on the studio lot knew and really liked Mike. Treasured unforgettable memories.

It's hard to believe that I have known Mike Kemp for over fifty years. I first called him my "partner" while we worked together for Snyder Ambulance in the San Fernando Valley and soon after I simply called him " my friend."  I think that the best thing that came out of working on that ambulance for Mike, was meeting Kathy, who worked at the hospital that we used to pick-up and deliver patients over to almost daily. Mike knew that there was something special about Kathy right away,  and it wasn't long before they began a lifelong partnership as man and wife. I saw how his marriage to Kathy grounded him, brought him stability, how Kathy as the "voice of reason" became Mike's best friend. Mike's children provided the final missing part of his life, and that was  a loving, caring, close family that he always longed for.  Even though Mike and I weren't always in communication, we never lost touch, and we always seemed to pick up our conversation right from the last time we talked. It was a great comfort to me in knowing that Mike was never far away from me geographically and was there if I wanted to talk to him anytime. I am going to deeply miss my partner and friend. I will never forget you Mike. Never!
 My deepest condolences to all of the Kemp family and their great loss in Mike's passing.

Kathy relayed the very sad news of Mike's passing and I am sincerely sorry to hear this. 

As a next door neighbor for many years here in Burbank, I was always treated with kindness whenever our paths crossed.

The stories Mike would share were the best and he seemed to have that extra special twinkle in his eyes when relaying them. 

Going to very much miss seeing him around and I am grateful to have known him.

God speed, Mike. 

Rick Carl

My father was a great man, a man with many, MANY stories of which anyone could dream, and then a lot many wouldn’t want to see. He grew up moving to a new school just about every year. Making way from the east coast to the west coast settling in Southern California. He left home when he was out of high school with cents in his pocket insisting he would make a better life for himself. He became an EMT/paramedic and worked for Snyder ambulance company in the SFV.  He met my mom a few years later, on the job for a call  at Providence St Joseph Medical center, where she worked  and they married in August 1974. He had 4 children that he raised to be compassionate individuals. He went on to be the First Aid supervisor for Warner Hollywood studios. I have fond memories going on movie sets with my dad to work, and movie auditions. He had so many movie set stories and worked with all of the great name actors. Some, even saving their lives. My father lives on, and will never be forgotten. He has 7 grand children who admired and looked up to him. My mother lost a husband she has had for 47 years, together they were a great team and if I had to choose parents again, I would choose them over and over. 

OBITUARY

Michael Anthony Kemp

8 September, 1951 – 7 January, 2022

Valley Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services