Obituary
Guest Book
1945
2017
Richard Michael Cortlandt Stokes, better known to all as Mike Stokes, passed away at Moses Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, NC on May 12, 2017. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He leaves behind his wife and best friend of 48 years, Geraldine, and his two sons, Nicholas and Richard, as well as five grandchildren, Eleanor, William, Ava, Gavin and Lily.
A celebration of Mike's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, May 21, 2017, Hanes Lineberry North Elm Lineberry Center, 515 North Elm Street. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
Born March 8, 1945 in Par, Cornwall, England, Mike was the eldest son of William George Cortlandt Stokes and Dorothy Wendy Acton-Davis Stokes. He is survived by his fraternal twin brother, Peter and his younger sister, Sally, both of whom live in England.
Mike grew up in South England and attended Canford School. He went to Bristol University to study languages and graduated with his degree in French, German and Economics. Mike enjoyed learning foreign languages and got to use them regularly throughout his business career.
He joined ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries) straight out of University and started as a management trainee. In 1968, while working for ICI, he met Geraldine at the Cairn Hotel in Harrogate, N.Yorkshire, England. Geraldine described him as quite charming and quite persistent. In 1969 they were engaged and moved to South Africa with Mike's job. They were married in Johannesburg on June 27, 1969.
Mike's career at ICI took him and the family to many interesting and varied destinations, including living in Japan, London, Harrogate and eventually settling in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA. Mike and Geraldine made many lasting friendships in each of these places. Mike's last position with ICI was running the ICI Fibres North America division in Greensboro. In 1994 Mike joined THEM International, also based in Greensboro, where he worked up until March 2017. His ICI and THEM families have always stayed close to him and will miss him greatly.
Mike will be remembered for his generous spirit and his quick wit. He was often the life and soul of the party, whether it was the legendary neighborhood get-togethers of Leadhall View in Harrogate, or the July 4th celebrations at Lake Jeanette in Greensboro. He loved boating and spent many hours on the water at Belews Lake. He also loved making model boats, a hobby he learned from his father.
He found ways to give back to the community, including serving in the Greensboro Rotary Club and he was a great supporter of the Greensboro SPCA. He was also involved in re-enacting Revolutionary War battles at Guilford Courthouse.
Dad/Gramps leaves many fond memories for his family. Nick and Rich remember the yearly family vacations to different countries in Europe (France, Greece, Portugal) where something would inevitably go awry. The grand-kids remember the joy Gramps took in celebrating Christmas with them and rides around the grounds in his lawn-mower trailer. Geraldine remembers Mike's love of life and his abiding love for her.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Greensboro SPCA, 3163 Hines Chapel Road, Greensboro, NC 27405.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home.
May 29, 2017
Anne Wetherall
I have so many happy memories of Mike, a very bright fun loving nephew who enlivened all family occasions. Deepest sympathies to Geraldine and all the family, Tigs
May 20, 2017
Liz Acton Davis
The happiest of memories of great family occasions and wonderful days on the beach in Sheringham and Colt Cottage. Loving sympathy to Geraldine and the Family
May 18, 2017
Sally Hinton
We'll all miss you - your sense of fun, your laughter and your love for life itself. As your "little sister" I always found your company full of joy and will always think of you with affection and love. Let's remember the good times we spent together. With love to Geraldine and all the family - you are in our thoughts.
May 17, 2017
Paul Schmidt
Dear Mr. Stokes, as a friend of Richard's, thanks for always welcoming me into your family, home and life. You may not know it, but you gave me lots of good lessons on how to be a good person (and eventually, a good dad) through your examples. I want you to know that I was paying attention and looked up to you greatly, and was always aware of your generosity. Your lessons and soul live on in the great family that you and Mrs. Stokes built and will leave a lasting legacy on all who follow. Thank you.
May 15, 2017
Gary Bargebuhr
I can never forget meeting Mike as it was the very day my daughter was born. We were total strangers but shared a conversation about family that took us on a 23 year professional relationship. Over the years our conversations mostly centered around the children and subsequently his grandchildren! So many facets to respect from a man whose travels were many but so grounded by love of family! Well done Mike!!! You will be missed!
May 14, 2017
Jenny Mangan
Our hearts are heavy with the news of Mike's passing. We know Richard from serving together at North Point Community Church and we know how dearly he loved his father. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim and Jenny Mangan
May 13, 2017
Ann Stringfield
Bon voyage to Mike, who traveled far and wide -- more than most ever can or dare -- yet always treasured heading home to the good company and comforts of family and friends.
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