Stokes, Roy

Roy Stokes, age 75 years, resident of Thunder Bay, passed away on Wednesday, May 4th. Born on November 6th, 1936 in Pretoria, South Africa he became a Canadian citizen in 1963. With a background in engineering and after working at the University of Toronto and in the Canadian arctic, he became a high-school teacher and moved to Thunder Bay with his wife and fellow teacher, Muriel Stokes. He served as teacher and department head from 1967 until his retirement in 1992 after many years at Northwood, Gron Morgan and Westgate High Schools. After retirement Roy and Muriel became actively involved in Tai Chi and he became a well-respected instructor of the art and vice president of the Peng You Taiji Quan Association. In 2001, he won medals at the World Taiji and Health Conference in Hainan, China and a silver medal at the Canadian Wushu Championship in Toronto. He helped build Thunder Bay's international reputation as a center for Tai Chi and the waterfront International Taiji Park will be part of his legacy. He is survived by his daughter Gillian, son Dale, and granddaughter Ellie, as well as a loving network of relatives, friends and neighbors. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at the Oliver Road Community Center at 3:00 pm on Friday, May 13th. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Thunder Bay District Children's Aid Society, or the International Taiji Park c/o Peng You Taiji Quan Association, 270 Windsor St. P7B 1V6, would be appreciated by the family.