Michael C. Stokes

May 8, 2020 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2020 | 17 comments

Michael C Stokes October 12, 1958-May 5, 2020

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that we mourn the passing of Michael Charles Stokes on May 5, 2020.

Affectionately known as “Tug” to his friends, Mick was born in Coventry, England on October 12, 1958. He attended Stivichall and Finham Park Schools where he developed his love of swimming. He joined the Sea Cadet Corps winning numerous swimming competitions and officially joined the Royal Navy in 1975. Stationed in Plymouth Mick was a Gunner and served on the Frigate, HMS Naiad where his travels took him to all parts of the world including the Seychelles and India. He was chosen to serve in the aggressive Icelandic COD Wars earning a medal for his service.

During his stint in the Royal Navy he was proud to represent Devon Port as a member of his crew in the Field Gun Competitions held at the Royal Albert Hall which is a contest between teams from various Royal Navy commands, in which teams of sailors compete to transport a field gun and its equipment over and through a series of obstacles in the shortest time.

Always passionate about Rugby, Mick started playing in Junior School and eventually played the position of Hooker for the Old Coventrians in Coventry, England. He came to America on Rugby Tour and settled in the States in 1988 where he played for KU Rugby Club Team. He never lost his passion for this sport and always looked forward to watching every Six Nations game and sharing a pint with his best mates.

He also never lost his love of England. He was British by Birth, English by the Grace of God and he always looked forward to a trip “home.”

Mick was an avid reader with a keen interest in history, especially WWI. He always loved a good discussion with anyone who shared that interest.

He was an amazing and loving husband to Susie and would have celebrated 20 years of marriage on May 12. He dearly loved his families on both sides of The Pond and was the best fur-daddy to his Big Wooley Dogs Sophie and Bruno.

Mick was predeceased by his Mother Betty Stokes. He is survived by his Father Arthur Stokes, Brother Chris Stokes (Julie) of Coventry, England; Wife Susie Stokes; Step-children Jason and Lindsay Sizemore; Daughter-in-Law Stefanie Sizemore; Grandchildren Nick and Cadence Sizemore and Jett Gunter all of Kansas City.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date to raise a pint to this one-of-a-kind bloke who always loved a “laugh and a giggle.”

If you wish to do so, please make a donation to KU Rugby Club in Lawrence, KS in Tug’s name. https://www.jayhawkrugby.com/

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Eileen Boogher

2 years ago

Great tribute, wonderful picture as this is exactly how I remember my friend Tug. You shall truly be missed by many. Hope you are enjoying a pint of one of your favorite English Bitters Cheers my friend. Eileen “Conchita” Boogher

Mary Cummings

2 years ago

He always had a smile and friendly banter with everyone. He knew no strangers! He will be sorely missed. Godspeed to Heaven, Tug.

Hugo

2 years ago

Good man never forget cheers buddy tug love

steve routh

2 years ago

We loved Tug, (Christy & i.) Always very genuine, easy to talk to. When the pints flowed, i told Tug he spoke the most fluent Slerbian i ever heard. He told me i had bad ears, he was speaking fluent English. I spoke to Tug a few times about his service in the Navy, he was a true Patriot to England. But he loved America i think also & all of us. Christy said Tug was Susie’s soulmate! They were a lovely couple & we feel truly sad for Susie. I’m glad to have known Tug & i told Tom & Eddie, “Tug was a “Man’s Man.” We’ll miss him & we have prayed for he & Susie & i know in my heart we’ll see him again. God Bless you Tug & Susie.

Tom Boogher

2 years ago

Tug my friend. You are dearly missed. I cherish our pints and pub experiences, rugby viewing and canal boat memories. I’ll meet you at the Burnt Post in Coventry heaven for a pint and laugh one day. Cheers and love my friend. Tommy “Tank Engine” Boogher.

Kitty

2 years ago

Mickey, I hope you are enjoying Heaven because I know you are there. I miss you every second and want you to know just how much I will always love you. I was so blessed to have 25 years with someone who was clearly my other half. Take care of the kids til I get there. Love, Kitty

Kitty

2 years ago

Still missing you so much
Love you,
Kitty xo

Kitty

2 years ago

Hard to believe it’s been 3 months. Heart still broken. Miss you so much.
Love you always,
Kitty xoxo

Kitty

2 years ago

Hello my darling,
I can’t believe it has been 4 months since I lost my best friend. I miss you every day and although you are not with me physically I still feel you in everything I do. I love you more every day and you are always in my heart.
I love you, sweet man.
Kitty xoxo

Kitty

2 years ago

Hi sweet Mickey, It has been 6 months since you went over the rainbow and I must confess I am still so broken hearted. Life is not the same for me without you in it. You truly were my person and my best mate. I miss you evey minute of every day. I am so blessed to have s may wonderful memories with you, the one thing that keeps me going.
Give the “kids” a kiss from their mama and know that I love you all so much.
KSP XOXOXO

Vince Williams

2 years ago

Rest in peace Tug

Kitty

1 year ago

Went to watch England vs Scotland on Friday. All your mates were gathered “around the trough” as you used to say but it’s never quite the same without you. You are in everyone’s hearts and so missed. Especially by me.
Love you so much.
Kitty xoxo

Kitty

1 year ago

Hi Mickey,
How can so much time pass and it still hurts as much as it did 15 months ago. I don’t think I will ever stop missing you You were truly my other half. I love you and am so grateful for all the wonderful memories we shared. Just so very sad they stopped way too soon. Still loving you so much.
Kitty xoxo

Gordon Stewart

1 year ago

RIP Mick,
I have happy memories of you Mick,I’m afraid I’m in Shock, our happy days at Stivichal junior school,Finham Park School in Coventry England, out happy days in the Sea Cadets T,S Argonauht.
I often think about you Mick, I pass your father’s house often thinking of you Mick.

RIp my dear friend.

Gordon Stewart.

Gordon Stewart

1 year ago

RIP Mick,
I feel Numb, memories are flooding back, our happy childhood playing football and cricket in the Memorial park in Coventry England.
I always remember you training every week in Judo, and then having a pint of beer in the Burnt Post Pub in Green Lane Coventry England.
Mick you were always a very fit and strong man, we laughed together and enjoyed each others company.
I wish I knew Susie, my Deepest Condolences to you Susie and your family, and to you Chris and family and to kind Father.

RIP Mick,
Gordon Stewart.

Susie

6 months ago

Hello my darling, Mickey. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss you and think of you. It has been just over 2 years but it still hurts my heart as if it were yesterday, I will be taking you back to England this October and I hope that will make you smile. You are such a patriot and I know you’ll be happy once you are back in your England. I love you, will always love you. One of these days I will see you again and we’ll pick up where we left off.
Love you some big bunch–you know the rest.
Your “Kitty” xoxoxox

Kitty

25 days ago

Well my sweet Mickey, it is coming up to 3 years without you and my heart hurts just as much as the day you left me. Every morning I wake up I keep hoping it was all a bad dream and every night when I go to bed It’s a reminder of one more day without you. No one was like you and no one made me feel as happy as you did. We had some times and I wouldn’t trade a single minute of spending that time with you.
I know you’re still with me and watching over me. Give the “kids” loves from Mummy and know that you three are always in my heart.
Loads of love,
Your KSP xoxo

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