My dear brother, I miss you more and more with each passing day.

Michael, you will be remembered in my heart forever. You had been helping and supporting me since we knew each other in July, 1994.
 
I started my first job (a contract job) in this country at NYNEX on May 2, 1994. On July 5, the NYNEX project was cancelled and people were let go. To make the matter worse, I signed a purchase agreement in June for buying my first house in Nutley, New Jersey. I desperately needed a new job. Unfortunately, I was rejected by one hiring manager after another due to my English speaking skills and my very little experience in Smalltalk (not quite 3 months back in 1988). You came to my rescue and hired me at Prudential! As the result of your trust on me, I found myself very successful working on the Access project you were managing. My significant contributions were well recognized and credited soon by you and AnneMarie Frederick. Believing I was underpaid, you promoted me to a senior Smalltalk consultant position and raised the compensation by 60% only 3 months after you hired me. 

Early 1996, you hired me again at Fidelity in Boston. You trusted me so much that you told the director I directly reported to that Weidian had the ability to success without previous experience. 

You provided reference for me early 2009, which led to my job at Touchcom.

You provided reference for me early 2011, and I was hired by Princeton Instruments.

Michael, you had been helping and supporting me for so many years.  You will be remembered in my heart forever.

You left us a year ago, but it seems like a day.

You always loved me, never judged me, accepted what I did, good, bad or indifferent.  You loved me most when the things I was doing or saying were positively boneheaded.

I decided to bring a book with me to read at Bryan's law school graduation.  There was a lot of waiting before the ceremony started.  I was looking for a way to pass the time. When you arrived, you came and sat down next to me.  "Can I see what you are reading?" you asked.  "Sure", I said and handed the book over to you.  You scanned through the book.  It was your version of speed reading, I decided later.  "Good choice", you said, handing me the book back with a wink of your eye.  Later on, I realized that the wink was your way of saying: "I wish that I had thought of that too." realizing your love of reading was just as much as mine.

My brother, you were a father-figure to me. You were a mentor, a career coach, a friend.  You were the calm, reassuring presence in my life.

It breaks my heart that you are gone.

Always loved, always remembered, always missed, and never forgotten.

It's been a year since my dad transitioned to the other side. I miss him so much. But, I know deep in my soul that he is well now and finally at peace, just like he always told me he would be, and I couldn't be happier for him.

My dad made the best of his time.  He was a student and a teacher, always! He mastered some of the most important things in life: growth, generosity, love, and peace. And that's what I think is a life well lived. I hope with this, that I can capture the essence of who I think he was, such that we can all continue to learn from him, as this is exactly what he would have wanted.

Growth:
My dad never stopped learning. I think the day he learned to read he decided he would never stop. He was always looking for improvement for his life and his family. He found the world and the people in it fascinating, not something to be feared.  His outlook was positive, and if something seemed gloomy, he was smart enough to know that it would change again soon. I value growth because of him. I know that it's not so important in how you have dealt with life in the past, but your resilience and how you choose to change in this moment that is most important.

Generosity:
Pure joy could be seen on my dad's face every time he was giving. It was his passion, to be able to share with others. It was the biggest reason he worked so hard. He would give to complete strangers or to his friends or family, but it was the same joy. In fact, he gave the world even more than he probably realized, because he had a wonderful smile and laugh, and that can be more valuable to a person than any act or gift.

Love:

The way I now believe that a person makes a difference in the world is not by the amount of time spent here or their accomplishments, but by how they make other people feel. Absolutely everything can be taken away, but if you are left with love, you have what's real. More than anything else, my dad made me feel loved. He made me feel important and safe to be myself, even when I didn't know who I was. He always valued my feelings,  thoughts, and choices. And most importantly, his love was unconditional. No matter what I felt, said, or did, he was supportive and loving in his responses.  That is more important to me than anything else he did for me. I am forever grateful to him, and my love for him will never fade.

Peace:

I don't dwell on the end of his journey, but I'd like to share one thing that I think is significant. After his surgery, he came home, and he was different, for the three weeks that he had left. It's difficult to describe, but he was more in the moment, peaceful, restful, and focused on the things that matter. This change was subtle, but it was obvious to me and my husband, Matt. It was as if he had been reassured that everything is as it should be, almost like he had taken a deep breath and was relieved of his troubles. This isn't something I brought up with him at the time, but I think it is so reassuring to remember. I hope whoever reads this brings them peace as well.

I invite you along with me to bring these values into your life, so that we may continue his life through our own. Much love to you all.

Michael Tuk set a good example for all of us. He was a loving husband and caring father. He worked hard all his life to support
his wonderful family.

                           Ken Hagy and Peggy Richards-Hagy (Yardley, PA)

I have known Sharon since Junior High in Springfield, PA.  She was then as she is now... extremely kind, sweet, spirit-filled and pretty. Upon meeting Michael all could tell it was a wonderful, sure-to-be-forever match.  For certain God (via Susan) brought them together. There was so much  love between them!

When my husband, John, and I lived closer to the Tuks and we were raising our families, we would get together for dinner at each other's homes and we got to know Michael better.  He always impressed us with his business-oriented mind and his zeal for new technology.  Michael was decades ahead of everyone else when it came to "green" technology.  He and Sharon even built a solar home! Who had solar panels on their house in the 80's?  That is just one example of how Michael was at the forefront and was excellent in his research.

Best of all, Michael was a loving and patient family man.  Though successful in his career, you were never in doubt as to who came first in his life.  His forever-love for Sharon,  Ian, and Aubrey was amazing.  

I really wish my husband  and I had more time to enjoy future dinners out and other fun times with Michael and Sharon, but it wasn't to be. May Michael rest in eternal peace, which he certainly deserves after the life he led.

Love and prayers to all who miss him.

It is so hard to find words to describe my sorrow when Michael passed and my thoughts are with the entire Tuk family - my sister Sharon, my nephew Ian, niece Aubrey & husband Matt, Michael's Mother, and all of his siblings.  A man's most lasting influence on the world is seen in the faces of his family… in the light in their eyes when they talk about him… in the love they'll hold on to forever.  Here's to a good man – the life he lived, the hearts he touched, the legacy he left behind in you.
 
I know I can speak for the entire King family as to how much fun we had spending time with him and immediate family on special occasions and the holidays.  We cherish the wonderful memories spent with Michael.  Michael was such a warm, loving and giving person whom we will all miss dearly.

All Our Love,   

The King Family - Diane, Bill, Rebecca and Allyson

As Michael's mother I have hesitated to share my sorrow, but finally, after reading so many beautiful messages, decided to talk about my wonderful son from my point of view. Michael was the older brother to three sisters and finally, what he always hoped for - a baby brother!  When his father and I arrived home with the newly-born brother,  Michael (15 years old)  surrounded by his three little sisters, was extremely happy. Being naturally very emotional  about the whole situation, with tears of joy I handed baby Bryan to his big brother.  Michael stated that he really was happy to have a brother because, in his words, "Now I don't have to be worried if I don't get married - there will be another boy to perpetuate the family name!" Dad and I just stood there shaking our heads.

Michael was always a delightful person to be with and constantly amazed us with his intelligence, kindness and perception. The boy never did anything wrong --- until fourth grade.  One afternoon the Principal of his school phoned me.  "Mrs. Tuk " he said, "I thought you should know we no longer have to be burdened by worrying that Michael is too perfect!  He was sent to my office today by his teacher  for bad behavior........He slammed the lid of his desk down on the hand of one of the girls  in his class. When asked to explain himself, he said that she had gotten on his nerves all day and he couldn't take it any longer!"  What a relief! For both the Principal and me!

As years have passed, you who have written such kind messages know that he grew up to be a wonderful, thoughtful and loving individual.  He was a blessing to us, and after his father passed at such a young age, Michael was a wonderful leader and example for the other members of the family as they all grew into adulthood, and especially helping and even guiding me over the years.  He was a loving son always.  The last time he and Sharon visited a few months ago as they were leaving we hugged and I whispered in his ear  "I really miss you" and he replied "I miss you more!"  Those were our last words to each other.   I really miss him............

Most of us leave this earth at the end of our story.  Some leave in the beginning of their story. However, Michael left us in the middle of his story.  He slipped from our grasp.  Michael left us much too soon.  Henry Ward Beecher once wrote: "What the heart has once owned and had, it shall never lose."

May God's love fill the sorrow that is in your hearts.  Michael lives on in your children and  in the precious marriage you have.  May these remembrance bring healing to your grief.  We are so blessed to have the many conversations with Michael.  He will be missed so much.  Jim and Betty Light

My dear Cousin Sharon, Ian, Aubrey, Matt and dear little Gavin.
How I treasure the memory of meeting Michael, such a lovely and devoted family man, at the home of Sue and Jeff a few years ago.
My love, thoughts and prayers go out to you and may you find strength and comfort in each other.
God bless you all.
Love always -

Linda Jones
Conwy
North Wales.

Words do not do justice in describing the sorrow that I have for the entire Tuk family.  May God wrap His healing arms around you all and continue to bless you as Michael lives every day not just in Eternal Heaven, but also our hearts and memories.

My condolences to the Tuk family.  I went to school with Mike at SFC and he was a great person.  He will be missed.  May God keep you in His embrace during this trying time.

May the concern and sympathy of those who care help you through this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Michael.
Ronda Mills

I Had the pleasure of meeting Michael at Sue and Jeff's home in Pennsylvania in September 2011.  My sister Linda and I were over from England (and Wales) visiting with our American family.

I remember Michael as being a quiet, handsome and intelligent man who clearly loved and was very proud of his family.  They meant the world to him.  I am deeply saddened that I never got the chance to know him better.

My heart goes out to my dear cousin Sharon, Ian, Aubrey, Matt and dear Gavin.  May you find strength in each other.

Much love
Alison Day
Hampshire
England

I am very sad that Uncle Michael is gone.  I appreciated and admired his love for people, his wonder and amazement at the world around him, and his thoughtfulness about life.  He was always deeply interested in what I was doing and what I was excited about, and I always enjoyed talking with him about music, technology, and life in general.  I regret that I didn't get to spend more time with him over the years.  My prayers and thoughts are with Aunt Sharon, Ian, Aubrey, and the rest of the family.

We are so blessed to have had so many wonderful conversations with Michael and he will be missed so much.

Michael influenced my life in so many ways. He is the reason for where I am working today, some of my personal traits are modeled after his qualities, my choices for a healthy lifestyle (well, Sharon was the main driver here, but I credit Michael with introducing me to her).. and so on. He was a friend and a mentor. I will never forget the times we spent together "dreaming" - he had such a good vision for the future. I wish we had started that one business venture we talked about doing. I will definitely miss him.

Cannot believe this! Michael Tuk gone? Still remember Micheal's comment on "wearing down" RPS carpet by walking up and down. Micheal was one great guy who got along with every one. My wishes to the family who need stregth now more than anything and come to terms with the loss. It is time to be together and be caring. Time is a great healer.

Michael was a class act.  A genuine man of his word.  Soft spoken and trustworthy. I considered him a mentor both in my business and personal life.  I'm glad to have known him.  Farewell Michael from all your former colleagues at JPMorgan.

In the handful of times our paths crossed, one thing was clear to me: Michael loved his family. He was a smart and wonderful man. Though his time was cut short, he lived a meaningful, fulfilling life.

Here's a quote that we found handwritten in my mom's purse after she passed away. It gave me a lot to think about. I hope you all can get something out of it as well:

"It is the people we touch, and how they remember us, that define our lives on this earth... Any good, therefore, that we can do, let us do it now, for we shall not pass this way again."

Wishing your family peace and a strengthened bond as you lean on each other in this difficult time. Though it seems distant, a "new normal" will one day come. Let me and Sarah know if there's anything at all we can do to help.

My heart is heavy as I am deeply saddened by Michaels untimely departure from all of those who loved him and knew him  My thoughts and prayers are with my sister Sharon, my nephew Ian,  niece Aubrey & husband Matt, Michael's Mother, Dot and all of Michaels siblings.    

I'll always remember Michael's smile, his laugh, his endless knowledge and curiosity about life.  I admired his goal driven ability to dream big, realize his dreams, and dream even bigger the next time. All through the years I recall how proud he was of his family, Sharon, Ian and Aubrey's every accomplishment and always wanted the best for them.  He glowed when he talked of or held his first Grandchild Gavin in his arms.  I feel certain he was dreaming big for Gavin as well. 

When I first met Michael at Prudential, I introduced him to Sharon and lost a room mate all in a moments time.  They quickly started their life together and fulfilled each others hopes and dreams over the many years.

I will always cherish the good times we've all had together and I'm so grateful for the week Jeff and I spent with Michael and his family in Colorado last fall.   

I pray for my sister and her family that the grief they feel will subside in due time and leave them filled with all the great memories they've shared together.       

With all my love and prayers, Sue Hagy Sacks

Michael was a wonderful man,My heart aches for all of you.My thoughts and prayers.

I will miss my brother in law and friend, Michael. A devoted husband to Sharon, a conscientious father to Ian and Aubrey, proud Grandfather to Gavin. We lost you way too soon and you will be missed in our lives. Michael welcomed me into his life and family. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and all that knew and loved Michael

"When the shadow of the grasshopper falls acrosss the trail of the field mouse on the green and slimy grass as a red sun rises above the western horizon silhouetting a gaunt and tautly muscled Indian warrior perched with bow and arrow cocked and aimed straight for you....it's time for another Martini."  An anonymous passage written on the mural outside Vestuvio's Cafe in San Franciso, CA, as quoted in "Shaken Not Stirred", Miller and Brown, Quill, A HarperResources Book, New York, 1997, p.93.   We miss you Michael.  Rich and Vicki Stones and Family (Stafford, VA)

Mike left a comment on a video I made over a year ago in memory of my grandma. He posted, "Wonderful, Melissa. No doubt you were a blessing to Ruth." That comment has stayed with me and always will. The time I was around him I could always tell he was a sincere loving person. I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm sad for my sweet nephew Gavin, my sister (in law) but my sister Aubrey, Sharon, Ian, My brother Matthew and the entire family. I think we can definitely say with No doubt that he was blessing to us all. With much love and prayers, 
Melissa & Family

Michael was my supervisor at Prudential in 1994 and at Fidelity in 1996. 

Words cannot express my sadness. Michael will be forever remembered and forever missed.

Michael was my supervisor at Prudential in 1994 and at Fidelity in 1996. 

Words cannot express my sadness at this moment. Michael will be forever remembered and forever missed.

I have known Sharon as a coworker and a wonderful friend since she arrived in Colorado Springs.  Strangely enough, I met Michael while he was in the hospital at St. Francis for an infection in 2012.  With he and Sharon being fairly new to Colorado Springs, I figured Michael probably didn't have a lot of visitors locally, and I'd been wanting to meet him for awhile.  Also, I wanted to deliver a birthday dessert to Sharon.  Sharon was at home searching for what could have possibly caused the infection, and cleaning everything feverishly.  Therefore, Michael did not know I was coming.  Hoping to make him laugh, I wanted to walk in and pretend to be "Nurse Helga", grab some gloves, and tell him I was there to give him an enema.  However, not knowing him yet, I chickened out.  Despite the stranger walking in the room, he smiled immediately.  Maybe it was the dish covered in foil, but I think Michael would've smiled at a stranger anyway.  We had a nice long visit, but what was most significant was his concern for others.  He asked how I was doing, how work was going, and seemed very concerned that Sharon was doing okay and not too overwhelmed.  He was laying there, with tubes inserted, pale faced, and his left arm swollen to the size of a tree trunk.  I remember thinking he must feel terrible, and this visit was supposed to see how "he" felt.  Instead, he kept turning the conversation around to make sure everyone else was okay.  

A couple months later, Sharon and I hiked Pikes Peak.  Prior to reaching the summit, Sharon developed altitude sickness.  She pushed onward and finished the hike, but her symptoms worsened.  We called Michael and he came to her rescue instantly.  I was very concerned he would be mad at me for encouraging her to continue the hike, rather than turning around (as we probably should have).  Instead, he was very kind and grateful for the call.  What impressed me most though, was that he didn't just come pick her up.  He came armed with a cooler of fluids, crackers/snacks, and a wet washcloth for her forehead.  He made sure she was as comfortable as possible and took great care of her.  His love for her was very evident with those extra little gestures.  

At Michael's memorial, many talked about his knowledge of finance/economics.  It reminded me of a conversation with Michael while we were on a double date with he and Sharon.  He explained, with math effortlessly included, why it was better to shop at Costco and get their Rewards Program.  Within a week, my husband and I upgraded our Costco membership and started buying gas and most of our groceries there.  Michael absolutely changed the way we shop.  I think of Michael often when I go there now, and especially when I see the Cashback Rewards.  Thanks Michael!

The last time I saw Michael was unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 28th, at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.  I was just about to enter the elephant barn and I could see him inside near the far end of the rail.  I recognized his smile right away.  He was holding and talking to Gavin and had such a look of joy on his face.  I enjoyed meeting Aubrey and Gavin, and took a picture of the three of them. Aubrey, I will get that picture to you soon.  You can tell from the gigantic smile, that you gave him a very special day.

Those are a few of my most impressionable memories with Michael.  In all of my encounters with Michael, it was clear that he was smart, generous, extremely kind, patient, but most of all- HE LOVED HIS FAMILY.  He loved to take care of them no matter what the situation, but mostly, he loved to be with them.  They were his life. 

My husband, Kent, and I are so grateful to have known Michael, though it was such a brief time.  We will miss him very much.  

Molly Smith

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  He will be sorely missed.

Much love to you and your family at this difficult time-you are in our thoughts and prayers-
Love, Beth, Craig, Connor & Lauren

Sharon,  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers this evening.  I wish I could be a stretcher bearer for you tonight.  I'm so thankful you have faith and family to comfort you.  Michael is now your guardian angel and will forever be with you in spirit.  Thinking of you tonight and always.   With Love,  Cynthia and Bob Hanson

OBITUARY

Michael Bennett Tuk

May 28, 1958 – August 20, 2013

Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery

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