Michael Wayne Solomon

Michael Wayne Solomon was born on June 9, 1954, in New Iberia, Louisiana, to Alfred James Solomon and Easter May Davis Watson. As the eldest of four children, he played a pivotal role in his family, guiding his siblings Derrick Watson, Sr., Ingrid Watson-Benford, and Harold Watson Jr. His parents moved to Los Angeles, CA, when Michael was just four years old, and he spent his formative years there in a loving, blended family with his grandmother Mildred Anderson Scott, step-grandfather Sidney Scott, Aunt Barbara Scott, and cousins Gerald and Michael Scott.

Michael attended Menlo Elementary School, Western Avenue Elementary, John Muir Jr. High School, and Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. It was during these years that he developed a passion for basketball, participating in R.O.T.C. and playing on the basketball teams at both John Muir Jr. High and Crenshaw High under the legendary coach Willie West, contributing to many city championships.

His early affinity for basketball extended beyond the court. At just 14, Michael's natural leadership abilities became evident as he coordinated basketball teams at Western Avenue Elementary's playground. This led to an opportunity through the CETA program, where Michael began his journey as an assistant playground director.

After graduating high school, Michael pursued his education at Los Angeles Community College and later obtained an A.A. degree from West Los Angeles Community College. To support his education, he worked various jobs, including as a Los Angeles City crossing guard and an umpire for the minor baseball league at Centinela Park in Inglewood.

Michael's career at the YMCA had a lasting impact on countless children in Los Angeles. He was instrumental in creating the Junior Lakers program, which would go on to nurture future NBA stars such as Paul Pierce, Andre Miller, Barron Davis, and Paul George. His commitment to youth development extended beyond basketball; he was known to treat neighborhood kids as his own, earning love and respect from hundreds over the years.

In 1982, Michael met the love of his life, Wanda Solomon. The couple married on Labor Day in 1986 and together raised five children—Michael Solomon Jr., Myieka Lucas, Marcell Solomon, Marques Solomon, and Martinn Solomon. Michael's dedication to his family was unwavering. He actively involved his children in extracurricular activities and provided guidance and love to all, including the children who participated in the YMCA youth programs.

In 2012, Michael faced one of the most challenging times of his life when Wanda was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Demonstrating his loving and caring nature, Michael retired from the YMCA to dedicate himself entirely to caring for his wife. He spent endless days and nights by her side, ensuring her needs were met until her passing, just days after his 59th birthday in 2013.

To honor a pact he made with Wanda, Michael moved to Las Vegas to be closer to his three youngest sons, all of whom graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Soon after, he received a call from Jack Turango, the head basketball coach at Legacy High School in North Las Vegas, offering him a coaching position. Michael accepted and made an instant impact on the youth community, affectionately earning the nickname "Coach Pops." His influence extended beyond basketball as he provided guidance and mentorship to all.

Michael also played a crucial role in starting his youngest son Martinn's basketball coaching career, insisting that Jack hire Martinn as an assistant coach in 2015. Today, Martinn is the head basketball coach for the Eldorado Fire Hawks in East Las Vegas, with Michael serving as his assistant coach until his passing.

Michael Wayne Solomon's legacy is marked by the profound impact he had on his family and community. He successfully raised and trained his five children to become productive and successful members of society. Michael Jr. has been a professional truck driver for over 17 years and owns a wholesale/retail vehicle dealership. Myieka is a professional caretaker and entrepreneur. Marcell owns a thriving event production company, Mdot Merriment, and has been in business for over 15 years. Marques is a two-time award-winning professional filmmaker, video production company owner, and instructor. Martinn followed in his father's footsteps and is now the head basketball coach at Eldorado High School.

Michael was preceded in his homecoming by his grandparents, Mildred Anderson Scott and Sidney Scott, his father Alfred James Solomon, and his beloved wife of 27 years, Wanda Kelley Solomon. He leaves behind his five children, Michael Solomon Jr., Myieka Lucas, Marcell Solomon, Marques Solomon, and Martinn Solomon, his siblings Derrick Watson, Sr., Ingrid Watson-Benford, and Harold Watson Jr., and his mother, Easter May Davis Watson.

Michael Wayne Solomon will be remembered as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and compassion. His unwavering dedication to his family, his profound impact on the youth community, and his legacy of love and mentorship will be cherished by all who knew him.