Michael C. Stokes

May 8, 2020 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2020 | 16 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/

0 0 votes

Article Rating

16 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

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

3 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

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

"Thank you so much for the wonderful help you have been to our family. You met and exceeded our wishes"

Bukeka and Makeda

"You gave us the personal attention that we needed during the process. Thank you for going the extra step for us"

Cynthia

"A giant THANK YOU for your knowledge, care, concern, suggestions and friendship"

Joyce F.

"Thank you so much for coordinating my mom's funeral. You could not have been more respectful and empathetic"

Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

Katie C.

"We can't begin to thank you for all you did to help us with Mike. Your kindness and thoughtfulness provided peace and comfort for all of us. You have been such a blessing for both my mom and my husband. You are God's grace for us"
With much gratitude and love,

Vicki and family

"I really appreciate the time you spent with me on my unannounced visit regarding funeral arrangements for Marion. You went above and beyond with notes and drafting a letter for me, Bless you"

Jill H.

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

Nancy H.

"Just a note to say how pleased I was with your funeral services for Judy. It made the situation much more tolerable."

Ralph F.

"Thank you so very much for the "In Loving Memory" book. It was truly a lovely meaningful gift for us. And, thank you again for making Michael's final tribute a beautiful lasting memory for us."

Genanne D.

"We appreciate all that you did to make my mother's visitation simple and elegant. Your staff helped all of our family feel very comfortable. Your place was perfect for honoring and celebrating my mother's life."

Sue and Bernie

"Thanks for all your wonderful help. To do what you did in such a short period of time was truly amazing. It sure made us feel good to know all of the details were being taken care of very professionally."

Mark R.

"Thank you for all you did to make Dallas' memorial and celebration of his life a good day for our family. Your kindness will never be forgotten."

Eleanor P.

I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

Rebecca B.

"Thanks so much for all you did to make our son's service so beautiful so that we could touch the lives of many through him."

Jim and Leslie

"Thank you so very much for all the work you did for Papa. He was the neatest man and I'm so lucky to have had so much time with him. We are grateful."

Cherlyn

"At such a difficult time, it was comforting to have your respectful and tender care of my mom and her arrangements. The service was a beautiful end to her journey to Heaven. You truly have a unique gift."

Holly G.

"Thank you so much for your care for me and my family after mom's death. Your love and attention was so helpful and you made it easy for me and my siblings to have fun with each other."

Brian O.

"I want to thank Signature Funerals and yourself for everything you have done during this hard time. You made this nightmare into something for us to be proud of. The kindness and love you showed us from day one was truly amazing. God Bless."

Ned and Kimberly

"Thank you so much. Everything was lovely and we have received so many compliments."

Anne E.

"Just want to thank you for helping to give such a nice memorial service for our loved one. You were wonderful and went beyond anything expected. I appreciate it and I appreciate you and the strength you give me."

Debbie Brown

"Thank you so much for opening your heart up to our family."

Mabel B.

"Words can not express our gratitude for helping us with our loved one's needs and the visitation service. You, especially, made such a tragic and sad time more bearable. Your friendship and professionalism went miles to help my family and myself."

Marta Reber Warren

"I feel so lucky to have been able to know you a little and work with you for the funeral of our mom. You were everywhere and it was a comfort to us to turn her over to you, knowing you would treat her with loving kindness. Thank you so much."

Susan W.

"I recently had an opportunity to use your services after my father and step-mother died within a 7 week period. Because I had dealt with Michelle Parks previously when my mother-in-law died, I contacted her when the need arose. I could not have been more pleased with my experience. Dad wanted to be cremated and Mom wanted a traditional burial with a casket. I sat down with Michelle each time in your beautiful facility and she made it easy for me to understand the options as she gently guided me through the process. She covered all the bases in one sitting and I was impressed with the very competitive price structuring of your services."

"Michelle was absolutely fabulous each time. I felt that I received very personal service and she was available to answer my questions at any hour. She was understanding, compassionate, and very knowledgeable about her industry. I am hoping to take a break from your services for a while, but when the need arises again, I will call Signature Funerals."

Bryan C. Nelson M.D.

"Even though the passing of my father was a traumatic experience as would be expected, working with Cathy Boomer and the team at Signature Funerals, made the entire experience one to be cherished and remembered in only the most positive of lights. From the time hospice was called in to assist my father and our family through his final transition, to the planning and actual day of his service Signature Funerals handled every detail. In particular Cathy Boomer displayed an innate and unique ability to explain each and every step, being very careful not to overwhelm us during a very fragile time for our family. Looking back on this, it is evident that this is not only an important piece if ensuring a pleasant experience, but that it is a fine line that I believe is not necessarily shared by all that provide the type of service as Signature Funerals. The time that Cathy and the spent with us in the days leading up to my father’s service was focused on anticipating things we may not have thought of, things we needed to know as well as understanding what was important to our family and my father to ensure the service truly did honor his life."

"As said before, Cathy and Signature Funerals, helped our family create a memory that we will never forget and cherish forever. I would happily recommend Cathy and her team over and over again."

Andre Player | Vice President Anthem Media Group