The obituary notice of Michael (Morpeth) YORKE

From my earliest memories of you as my dad, I have been shaped and guided by your wonderful influence. Your sensitivity, personality, and the inspiring intelligence and knowledge you’ve shared throughout the years have left a lasting mark on me. Many of my happiest memories—and the moments that helped shape my goals in life—were spent in your presence or grew from your influence.

You were a wonderful human being who touched so many lives in a positive and meaningful way. I will be eternally grateful, and forever feel lucky to have been born to such an extraordinary Dad.

Your creativity, spirit, and personality live on in both Julie and me, and in your grandchildren Christopher and Katherine—I see it every day in their character and their best qualities.

You will always be with us, Dad.
xxx

From the first time I met you there was no question why you were spoken of in such high esteem. Your presence could light up any room brighter, make any trip not just fun but a learning experience for a history geek like me or any backyard discussion feel like the most important place in the world I needed to be. For over a decade I’ve been blessed to call you family but that feels far too short. Your presence will be missed by anyone who was lucky enough to have you touch their lives. Rest well Mike, you have made a far larger and more positive impact on lives just by being yourself than anyone may ever know. You were, are and always will be loved and missed.

You were an amazing person that I was blessed to be able to call family. I knew the high regard Jenny held you in but at our first meeting I understood why. There was not a room you didn’t make brighter, a trip you didn’t make fun AND an educational experience or a backyard discussion you didn’t make everyone smile. It has been over a decade since we first were introduced but that was far too short of a time. Your love, your humor, your knowledge and your enthusiasm to share all of it will be very missed by anyone lucky enough to have had you touch their lives. Rest well Mike, you deserve peace. You were, are and always will be a very loved and cherished man.