Obituary of H.A. Stokes

H.A. “Bud” Stokes was born to Howard and Janet Stokes on April 17, 1940 in Logan, Utah. He died October 22, 2010 in Olympia, Washington at age 70, surrounded by his family: wife of 25 years, Judy Martindale-Stokes (Olympia); daughter, Joni Isaacson (Lake Stevens, WA); son, Jeffrey Stokes (Everett, WA); and daughter, Nikko Baraquio (Portland, OR). He also is survived by seven grandchildren, and his sister, Carolyn Aldrich of Utah. Bud worked all his life in the travel industry. At 19 years of age, he attended Weber Airlines School in Kansas City. He was hired immediately by Bonanza Airlines to work in Phoenix. He held various positions over the years while Bonanza became Air West, then Hughes Air West, and eventually Republic Airlines. He retired as VP of National Sales with Republic. After leaving the airlines, he joined the cruise industry where he was a Territory Manager for 5 states with Royal Cruise Lines, Royal Olympic Cruises, Leisure Cruises, Peter Deilmann Cruises and lastly, Variety Cruises. Bud loved to travel and sell travel. He always had a smile on his face and a great curiosity about people and their lives. He was a gentle man who loved life and lived it well. Aside from being a world traveler, Bud also enjoyed many different cuisines and beverages. He always had a colorful story or two to tell, and he had the uncanny ability to make people feel comfortable in their own skin. He was a sharp dresser and commanded a room when he entered it. Bud enriched the lives of everyone who knew him with his generosity and zest for life. To leave memories and condolences for the family, please click on "View Guestbook" below.