Mike Stork "Always Ready with a Smile and a Helping Hand" Michael Edmund Stork passed away at his home in Gig Harbor on May 16th. Mike was born December 30, 1947, the only child of Ed and Ebba Forssberg Stork. After graduating from Wilson High School in 1966, he made life-long friends working in the circulation department night crew of the Tacoma News Tribune. From 1969-1971 Mike served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Military Intelligence 18th Airborne Corps. In 1970 he and Kathleen Mullen were married in Tacoma. Mike graduated from PLU in 1975. Other than two years teaching at the American International School of Lagos, Nigeria, 1979-81, his entire teaching career was devoted to the Peninsula School District as a first grade teacher, beginning at Purdy, 21 years at Artondale. In memory of Mike, an annual Artondale event has been renamed "The Mike Stork Otter Fun Run." Mike Stork, always ready with a friendly greeting and a camera, received many awards and honors throughout his career-- Ellen Faye Award (twiceBgiven) for excellence in teaching, three trips with the NOAA Teacher at Sea program, and recognition from his ongoing partnership in education with Foss and other maritime organizations. His passion for tugboats was sparked as a child by his father who served as a tugboat captain for Foss and culminated in 2007 with the publication of his book, Foss Maritime Company. Mike was a man of many interests and hobbiesEphotography, friends, education, all things maritime, reading, history, vacationing and travel; however his true love was his family. On May 10, he joyously stood to give his daughter away in marriage, surrounded by his loving family and hundreds of friends. He is survived by his beloved family; Kathleen, his wife of 37 years; daughter Rachel, son Jim, son-in-law Preston Crane, in-laws, Dan and Donna Mullen and Mike's life-long childhood friends, Tom and Linda Hulst. "Uncle Mike" was adored by his three nephews, Dan (Julie), Darren (Lori) and David (Anne) Mullen of Gig Harbor and their children. A private family service will be held at New Tacoma Cemetery, Chambers Creek Chapel. A service celebrating Mike's life is scheduled for Thursday, May 22nd, Artondale Elementary School, Gig Harbor at 4:30 pm. The family wishes to thank the Gig Harbor community for the outpouring of love, prayer and support. Memorial donations may be made to either the "Pancreatic Cancer Action Network" www.pancan.org or the "Mike Stork Artondale Tugboat Big Toy Fund".
Published in the News Tribune (Tacoma) on 5/20/2008.
Published in the News Tribune (Tacoma) on 5/20/2008.
Mike Stork "Always Ready with a Smile and a Helping Hand" Michael Edmund Stork passed away at his home in Gig Harbor on May 16th. Mike was born December 30, 1947, the only child of Ed and Ebba Forssberg Stork. After graduating from Wilson High School in 1966, he made life-long friends working in the circulation department night crew of the Tacoma News Tribune. From 1969-1971 Mike served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Military Intelligence 18th Airborne Corps. In 1970 he and Kathleen Mullen were married in Tacoma. Mike graduated from PLU in 1975. Other than two years teaching at the American International School of Lagos, Nigeria, 1979-81, his entire teaching career was devoted to the Peninsula School District as a first grade teacher, beginning at Purdy, 21 years at Artondale. In memory of Mike, an annual Artondale event has been renamed "The Mike Stork Otter Fun Run." Mike Stork, always ready with a friendly greeting and a camera, received many awards and honors throughout his career-- Ellen Faye Award (twiceBgiven) for excellence in teaching, three trips with the NOAA Teacher at Sea program, and recognition from his ongoing partnership in education with Foss and other maritime organizations. His passion for tugboats was sparked as a child by his father who served as a tugboat captain for Foss and culminated in 2007 with the publication of his book, Foss Maritime Company. Mike was a man of many interests and hobbiesEphotography, friends, education, all things maritime, reading, history, vacationing and travel; however his true love was his family. On May 10, he joyously stood to give his daughter away in marriage, surrounded by his loving family and hundreds of friends. He is survived by his beloved family; Kathleen, his wife of 37 years; daughter Rachel, son Jim, son-in-law Preston Crane, in-laws, Dan and Donna Mullen and Mike's life-long childhood friends, Tom and Linda Hulst. "Uncle Mike" was adored by his three nephews, Dan (Julie), Darren (Lori) and David (Anne) Mullen of Gig Harbor and their children. A private family service will be held at New Tacoma Cemetery, Chambers Creek Chapel. A service celebrating Mike's life is scheduled for Thursday, May 22nd, Artondale Elementary School, Gig Harbor at 4:30 pm. The family wishes to thank the Gig Harbor community for the outpouring of love, prayer and support. Memorial donations may be made to either the "Pancreatic Cancer Action Network" www.pancan.org or the "Mike Stork Artondale Tugboat Big Toy Fund".
Published in the News Tribune (Tacoma) on 5/20/2008.
Published in the News Tribune (Tacoma) on 5/20/2008.
