Obituary of Michael Bryan Stout
Michael Bryan Stout, age 54, of Townsend, DE, passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 22, 2020, in Cherokee, NC, while on vacation with his wife Susan.
Mike was born in Wilmington, DE, on July 18, 1966. He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur Bryan Stout and Joyce Hicks Stout. Mike was also predeceased by his brother Timothy, who passed away prior to birth. Mike joins them all in Jesus’ loving arms.
Mike grew up in Ogletown, De, where he formed many lifelong friendships. Although Mike was raised as an only child, he was a brother to many he met throughout his life. Mike worked in banking for the last 36 years, at MBNA and Bank of America. He was a graduate of Christiana High School, class of 1984, and attended Delaware Tech after graduation.
Mike met the love of his life in 1989, although he probably didn’t know it at the time. When they met again in 1999, their love story began and they were married in December 2005, after Mike proposed to Susan in the foothills of Ireland. Mike was Susan’s constant companion, protector and soul mate. As a couple, they enjoyed making memories through travel, adventure and meeting new people. Mike had a fondness for New Orleans, the Big Easy! Both he and Susan fell in love with the history, culture, food and especially the people.
As mentioned, Mike was a friend, God parent, coach, mentor and brother to so many. He made you feel special and was passionate about helping others. Mike took action and was quick to those in need. He was always generous and kind-hearted. Throughout his life, he never met a stranger – and in most cases, if he met you, you became a life-long friend. Mike was a pro at stirring the pot, and he acquired many friends through these discussions and debates! Mike was genuine, true to his word and never made you guess where he stood.
Mike played the harmonica, and loved music. Mike always enjoyed the outdoors, and spent time throughout his life hunting and fishing. The Outer Banks of NC, was one of his favorite places, where he could spend time with many of the men he called his brothers. Mike coached NCCJFL for over 10 years. He loved coaching kids and even helping them with their homework before practice.
Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit, led him to own several businesses with his wife and his business partner, Steve. They started with a spice company back in 2010, Stonefly Spice that is still in business today. In 2012, they purchased a deli in Dover, DE, that helped them understand the food and restaurant business. This led to Mike’s dream of owning a bar. In April 2014, the dream was fulfilled with the purchase of the Celtic Pub in Smyrna, DE. Mike, Susan, and Steve helped the business thrive, while Mike fueled his passion for meeting new life-long friends. In September of 2019, they added the Full Moon Saloon in Warwick, MD, to their pub family.
Through the pubs, Mike expanded his cooking skills that he honed since childhood. The menu at the Celtic pub drove new clientele to an already successful business. Coming in for a drink, you left amazed by the meal you had.
Our charismatic and intellectual friend left us way too soon and we all are better off for having known him. Mike’s message and song of his life cannot be captured in words. A part of Mike lives in all of us.
May God bless Mike, his family and everyone he had the pleasure of meeting and calling him “friend” during his short 54 years.
Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of life for Mike will be held at a later date. Please refer to Facebook for further updates and announcements.
