'Big smile and a wave for everyone' tributes to Laois man Martin Stokes

Fond tributes have been paid in Mountmellick and Portarlington to a Laois man renowned for his friendly wave to everyone in the community.

Martin Stokes, of the Portarlington Road in Mountmellick, passed away on Thursday, January 22, in the care of The Staff of St James Hospital, Dublin.

His death is deeply regretted by his loving family, relatives and his many friends.

Tributes describe the Laois community man's ever friendly manner.

"To Martins family my sympathy to you...Martin liked to drive through Mountmellick beeping the car horn at people he knew and a shout out and a wave through the car window..the town will miss his friendly humour..RIP," said one sympathiser.

"Deepest sympathy to all the family we have missed Martin for a while now his usual beep and wave and a bit craic we will miss his good humor May he rest in peace," said a member of Mountmellick Tidy Towns. 

"We were sorry to hear of Martins passing. We will miss that great wave. Please accept our most sincere condolences. May Martins soul rest in peace," another tribute said.

"So sorry to hear of Martin’s passing. What a lovely man he was with his friendly “hello good lady”. He will be missed by many, may his gentle soul rest in peace," another said.

In Portarlington, an Opticians also offered sympathies.

"Deepest sympathy to Martins family and friends. He always had a kind word and wave for us. He will be missed by us on the main street."

Even those Martin didn't know will miss his friendly ways.

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"Not known to your families but recognised this man from his photo, a lovely man used to sit outside Supervalu waiting for his wife, he would always smile and say Hello mam a gentleman, may he rest in peace." a sympathiser said.

Funeral arrangements for Martin Stokes yet to be confirmed.