The obituary notice of Michael (Morpeth) YORKE

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.

Dad,

I am so privileged to call you my Dad and can only hope that I have inherited a fraction of your lovely qualities; kindness, empathy, creativity, intelligence, positivity, a strong sense of justice, a love of nature, a passion for the arts and a terrific sense of humour. Your legacy lives on in everyone you influenced; family members, friends and the many pupils whose lives you enriched over the years. You guided, cherished and loved us so well and your words of wisdom have always helped me in challenging times.

I will miss you so much, Dad, but I know you are always with me, guiding me.

Julie Xxxxx

Dear grandad,

I have been searching for words to describe how much I love you for as long as I’ve known you. I’m coming up short again, I’m afraid. When I was little, looking at you would sometimes make me cry. Not because I was sad, but because you made me feel safe, and wanted, and unconditionally loved, and I never stopped feeling that way.

You taught me to be kind and strong. How to be compassionate and understanding. You taught me to want the most out of life but to appreciate the little things the most. You showed me what true love looked like through your love for gran.

You and gran were my lighthouse during my darkest times, but most importantly, you were my foundation through it all.

Thank you. I will carry you with me always. I love you

I couldn’t have chosen a better step father, thank you for all the love and support. Barry and I will miss you very much xxxx