Michael C. Stokes

May 8, 2020 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2020 | 5 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

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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.

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Hugo

Good man never forget cheers buddy tug love

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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 »

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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.

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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.

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Marchia

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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

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Bukeka and Makeda

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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.

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"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

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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."

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Michael C. Stokes

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