Michael C. Stokes

May 8, 2020 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2020 | 19 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

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

Guest

Mary Cummings

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

Guest

Hugo

Good man never forget cheers buddy tug love

Guest

steve routh

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… Read more »

Guest

Tom Boogher

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.

Guest

Kitty

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

Guest

Kitty

Still missing you so much
Love you,
Kitty xo

Guest

Kitty

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

Guest

Kitty

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

Guest

Kitty

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

Guest

Vince Williams

Rest in peace Tug

Guest

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Michael C. Stokes

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