Mike Stafford (2009)

LEGGETT, STAFFORD

Posted By: Shirley Keating
Date: 10/25/2009 at 22:34:11

Des Moines Register
Des Moines, Iowa
Thursday, October 1, 2009

MIKE STAFFORD, Des Moines, Iowa

Mike loved life. He experienced life. As much as he took out of life, he gave back ten times over. His passions were baseball (go Cardinals!), his family, his friends at the VA and the Eagles, music and travel. Day games at Sec Taylor stadium would always find Mike there. He loved his job and he didn't just DO HIS job. If a veteran needed help at the VA, he was there.

He was proud of his service in active duty in the Air Force and his continuing service as an employee of the VA hospital. His friends at the Eagles were a dedication to Mike; if anyone needed anything, all they had to do was ask - Mike would always say yes, and help without a hesitation regardless of his own needs. As the Aerie Chaplain, he took his duties to heart; he was there for anyone in celebration and in sorrow. He was a rock, spiritual and in friendship, for his brothers and sisters of Aeries 109.

Mike's commitment to his family and friends and their needs were paramount in his life. He loved going to Galdes to cut wood and share time with Bob and Glendora. He was always there to lend that extra back or hand. His allegiance to Galde Racing as a member of the pit crew was a particular joy for him. He loved working with Bob and Tim and watching the race team during their events, knowing that his presence there was a need and a help to the team. This was a common theme in Mike's life.

Mike loved to take 'adventures'. He traveled to ball games in St. Louis and Memphis, camped up at Clear Lake, camped in South Dakota (to see Mt. Rushmore) camped in Kentucky, day trips just to see the trees in the Fall. His favorite season was Fall; he loved the scents, the crisp air and the feel of the Autumn season.

Music was forefront in Mike's life. He infused all types of music into his everyday life. He was such an aficionado of music. It was a general joke amongst his friends that no one could win a contest on a radio station because he always knew the answers and would win before they could! He loved Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Johnny Cash. Their music brought emotions to his life that he attributed to some of his changes as he went along his path of life.

One of the greatest gifts he ever received was from his mother; the love of language and learning. Every day, he would do the New York Times crossword puzzle, challenging himself in his innate knowledge and query his resources to find an answer to the puzzle. His mother instilled in him the thirst for lifelong learning and the search for knowledge.

Mike was loved by many and will be sorely missed in so many others' lives.

He is survived by his Mom, Sheelagh Leggett and her husband Bob; his Dad, Bill Stafford of Memphis; siblings, Susan, Paul Andrew and 'Ruthy', stepbrother Steve and stepsister Sherrill as well as many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. Those not of the blood with special significance in his life that will miss him greatly are Bob and Glendora Galde, Bud and Bobbi McAninch and the loves of his life, Vicki Fogue and Kate Mullis.

Services and celebrations will be held Sunday, October 4th at 12 PM at the Eagles, 6567 Bloomfield Rd, Des Moines. Following a small luncheon, internment of his ashes will be in Truro, IA.

In lieu of flowers or plants please donate to the Animal Rescue League. He loved dogs, and even cat-dogs.
_________________________

Transcriber's Note: Burial was in Hartman Cemetery, near Truro, Madison County, Iowa