The heartbroken wife of a prominent Australian boxing figure is coming to terms with losing her husband just one day after their wedding.
Peter Stokes passed away early Monday morning following a long battle with cancer, after marrying the love of his life, Jodie, in a ‘last minute’ ceremony on Sunday.
Tributes for the acclaimed boxing coach, from Bunbury in south west WA, flooded social media following his sudden death, with many posting pictures of hanging gloves in his honour.
Peter Stokes (pictured) passed away early Monday morning following a long battle with cancer, after marrying the love of his life, Jodie, in a ‘last minute’ ceremony on Sunday
The Denning Boxing and Fitness Gym owner and head coach left a lasting legacy, known for his ‘crude humour’ and selfless approach to helping others.
His ‘best friend and love’, Jodie Cross, who also worked at the gym, dedicated a heartfelt Facebook post to her late husband, revealing he passed at home among loved ones.
‘I’m absolutely shattered and heartbroken right now and not looking forward to life without Pete,’ she wrote on Monday.
‘We fulfilled Pete’s wishes and he passed away peacefully at home with some of his closest friends. We were finally married the day prior and I’m honoured to call him my husband.’
His ‘best friend and love’, Jodie Cross (pictured together), described her late husband as the ‘most brave person’ she knew
Tributes for the legend boxing coach flooded social media following his sudden death, with many hanging pairs of gloves in his honour (pictured)
‘The strongest most brave person I have known, he fought his illnesses all the way to the end and now he can rest peacefully.’
‘Absolutely shattered to lose my best friend and love.’
Champion boxer Nathaniel ‘Cheeky’ May – the current WBO Asia Pacific Featherweight titleholder – trained under the guidance of Stokes since he was 12 and was among those paying tribute.
‘He is a family member. I’ve never seen him as a coach. I see him as a second dad, he’s always been there for me,’ he told GWN7 News.
The entire community has mourned the loss of Stokes, as hundreds posted photos along with memories they shared with the vivacious character.
Champion boxer Nathaniel ‘Cheeky’ May (pictured top right) trained under the guidance of Stokes (top left) since he was 12, and saw him more as a father than anything else
Hundreds shared photos and memories they shared with Stokes in meaningful Facebook posts
‘There’ll never be another one like you brother. You’ve impacted more lives than I’ve had hot meals, and no Facebook post or tribute could possibly do justice to the immensity of your short life,’ one tribute read.
‘My next appearance on the platform will be dedicated to your memory.’
He was survived by three children: Jordan, Ashley and Amy.
His funeral will be held at the Bunbury crematorium at 11am, following by a wake at the Prince of Wales Hotel.
‘I’ve never seen him as a coach. I see him as a second dad, he’s always been there for me,’ ‘Cheeky’ (right) said about Stokes (left)