Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
MICHAEL TOKAR Obituary
November 3, 1955 - September 9, 2010
Born in Pittsburgh, PA to Milan and Geri Tokar.
At 3, Michael moved to Fresno, CA where he developed his passion for ice skating. At 12, he studied with Jimmy Grogan in Lake Tahoe and graduated from Truckee High School. His breathtaking talent took his journey to Long Beach, Denver, New York, Italy and he eventually turned professional, skating in Italy and Spain in numerous competitions, the Ice Capades in the U.S. and New York as a coach.
Michael's passion for beauty took form in recent years through design work in Los Angeles where he remodeled homes, commercial spaces and assisted in the restoration of the Pantages Theater. Michael developed his own unique style always incorporating fantasy into his environments.
He will be remembered for his humor, generosity of spirit and kindness to those in need.
Michael is preceded in death by his mother Geri and survived by his father Milan, brother Robert, cousin Amanda Golding, cousin Nancy Kilgore and her husband Gary, Uncle Francis Tokar and his wife Marlene as well as numerous cousins. He will be greatly missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL TOKAR
Sponsored by A friend.
Andrew Sokolsky
September 9, 2019
Michael. Mark and I shared some memorable times with you. Decorating our place for various occasions, movies, playing with the cats... We also loved seeing you in your element at the Pantages on opening nights, going to the movies, shopping at Strouds at The Beverly Connection for the latest bedding, curtains, etc. I wished you could have taught me a few skating moves! We really miss and love you dear Michael!
Eugenio Mikolji
January 31, 2019
Eugenio Mikolji
Eugenio Mikolji
January 31, 2019
Eugenio Mikolji
January 31, 2019
I met Michael back in summer 1980 at the Sky Rink in New York while he was going through a hard time transitioning from amateur to professional. Sadly I had to go back to Venezuela where I'm from. I will always remember him gliding and jumping wonderfully on the ice. I know how much he cherished the pics I took from him. Wish he could have known that I finally made it and now I'm an American citizen living in Florida. Eugenio Mikolji
Nancy Kilgore
August 10, 2018
Nancy Kilgore
August 10, 2018
Nancy Kilgore
August 10, 2018
Nancy Kilgore
August 10, 2018
Nancy Kilgore
August 10, 2018
Michael Payne
October 18, 2017
I met Michael in 2001 as a young aspiring actor fresh on the L.A. scene. I needed a job and he gave me one working at the cafe adjacent to the Pantages in Hollywood. He was a kind and genorous indivdual.
Thank you to our universal creator for mak8ng our paths cross.
Mike Payne
Tish Eastman
April 4, 2016
I was recently remembering the time in my childhood when Michael and were friends who spent countless hours out roller skating and bicycle riding all around Bellaire Way in Fresno. I started ice-skating because of my friend Candy Miller, also now deceased, and Michael started ice skating because of me. It makes me very happy to see how much beauty skating brought into his life and how he was able to share that beauty with so many others! He was an amazing memorable person even when so young, and I regret not knowing him as a grownup. My condolences, belated, to our neighbor on Bellaire Way, Milan, on the loss of his wonderful wife and his wonderful son.
October 27, 2015
Still remembering all the good times and Michael being pert of the village that raised my daughter! Miss you MT.
Cathy Martini Williams
October 26, 2015
Michael was one of my coaches at the old Skyrink on W. 33rd St in Manhattan. He was an inventive choreographer and a beautiful skater. May he rest in peace.
Mark McBride
September 8, 2015
It's nearly 5 years since Michael's passing and not a day goes by that I don't think of how my life forever changed because he was in it...
Stephen Sinclair
February 4, 2015
I've been trying to find Michael on facebook or anywhere for a number of years and just tried again and his obituary came up. Michael was one of my first loves. We met on the "E" train in Manhattan in the late 1970's. To this day I can remember what he was wearing. I'll never forgot when I went with him at midnight to the SkyRink when it was still on 10th Ave. Bunny McFadden was his skating patron. We were alone there. He out on the ice going through his short program while I sat in awe in the seats. I believe he was training for the men's single title in Italy. I'm so glad that so many loved him. Michael, may the Holy Mother forever hold you in Her arms.
Jan Wilkens
February 22, 2014
I reviewed Michael in the Ice Capades many years ago, and later came to know him through a mutual friend. A genius on the ice, and a truly wonderful human being. He will be sorely missed.
Mark Benson
August 4, 2013
Grew up with Michael in fresno. Sad to hear about his passing.
Ken Shook
July 8, 2013
I only learned of Michael's passing this week after a friend and I were discussing some of our former skating friends. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing but so glad that I had called and spoken to him just a few months before his death. He was a very caring person and so talented. May he rest in Peace I know that his many friends will greatly miss him.
Jim Mullen
October 28, 2010
Michael and I skated in Ice Capades together, his remarkable professional talents garnered my respect and admiration from the first day I saw him perform...heaven now has this artist to bring the beauty of his unique talents to a new level. God bless you Michael and family, Respectfully...Jim Mullen, Playa del Carmen MX
Michael McCreary
October 20, 2010
I met Michael many years ago and saw his incredible creativity then. Later I purchased some beautiful items for our new house which he suggested. Every day i look at them i think of him and what an eye he had for beauty. He will be truly missed. May he rest in peace.
Mark McBride
October 12, 2010
Not a day goes by that I don't think of Michael...I truly hope he has found peace.....
Paul Gray
October 11, 2010
Rest in peace
David Koch
October 6, 2010
Michael included me, challenged me creatively, taught me another way, made me laugh deeply, made me think differently, and inspired me to do better, care more and dream. He had a deep respect for people who struggle. He was a special soul that needed special handling. Everyone who shared anything with Michael knew this about him. Find your next project, Michael. I will remember you fondly.
Mark McBride
October 5, 2010
I was blessed to know Michael for 23 years and I am a better person because of my relationship with him. The world is more beautiful because of his gifts and I will miss him deeply.
Hadley & her "Mimi".
Amanda Hendon
October 3, 2010
The greatest gift I have ever received is love for my child. And Micheal loved Hadley and Hadley loved her "Mimi". We three created memories together that will be unforgettable and the gifts "Mimi" shared with Hadley helped mold her in a way that no one else can. I have such deep gratitude to Michael for his love, friendship, wit and generosity. R.I.P. Love to you always, Amanda & Hadley
Mark Zarbo
October 3, 2010
I knew Michael for many years. He was one of the most creative people I have ever known. A true perfectionist, whether it was for interior design, gardening (one of his passions) or creating unique art pieces. His unique style and generosity touched many. My condolences to his friends and family.
Michael Collins
October 2, 2010
Michael was an extraordinary talent, his vision for beauty was surpassed by his love and passion for design, creation & his friends. I will always remember his sense of humor about himself and his perfectionist way, he has such a good eye for how to make things beautiful. Wherever he is, I hope it's beautiful and if it's not, he'll make it happen.
Larry Blum
October 2, 2010
RIP dear Michael....
trish tokar
October 2, 2010
for Michael.
may you rest in peace
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in MICHAEL TOKAR's name
Memorial Events
for MICHAEL TOKAR
How to support MICHAEL's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor MICHAEL TOKAR's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
