ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, mentor, coach, counsellor, speaker and motivator.

❤️ A beautiful memorial video for Michael Costigan - https://youtu.be/iy9MPOuq5hE

Our family deeply appreciates every story shared to help keep memories of Michael alive in our hearts forever. So please feel free to post your messages, tributes, and memories here so we can all share both our joy and our grief together.

In the Tribute section below, you can post short tributes, whilst photos and videos can be posted to Gallery section and also feel free to share a story with us at Stories section. 

Thank you and lots of love from our family ❤️

August 29, 2023
August 29, 2023
Dearest Son, I have never forgotten the day you were born, a little replica of your granddad. You were a much welcomed and loved little boy to come into our family. I miss you and love you Michael Francis.
August 28, 2023
August 28, 2023
Lau Kung, Happy Birthday in Heaven
Missing you very much on your birthday today ... and every day
May 22, 2023
May 22, 2023
Love you Stickels you truly never knew your own worth, you lifted others to their highest but never saw how amazing YOU were, mum really struggles without you, 3 sons a husband and a granddaughter! Too much for one person.
What you do have is another precious grandchild, Your baby girl now has her own baby girl
Love always Boomah
May 21, 2023
Dearest Son,
I can't believe you aren't here, I miss you so much, my only consolation is I know you are surrounded by your Dad, brothers, and dear Tara. Life is so different for me now without half my family gone, but I try to live my best life possible to honour every one of you.
Tony, Jimmy, Tara, Stephen and now you Michael. You are loved and never forgotten. Mum.
May 20, 2023
May 20, 2023
Lau Kung, remembering you with silent tears (every day) but even more today
Forever missed
Wo Ai Ni
Grace-Xian Lim-Costigan
May 20, 2023
May 20, 2023
Hi papa :)
How are youu
I hope you’re doing okayyy <33
Today we gave you mangos, 2 pizzas and a ginger beer! anddd we ate roti canai for lunch AND dinner! Your fav!!! I hope you received it and enjoyed it :D
idk what else to say soooo uh happy 520!
from your munchkin <33

p.s.
honey has grown so much :’)
December 27, 2022
December 27, 2022
Thinking of you my big brother, miss your Christmas cook ups, still hard to believe you’re not here Stickels, love you now and forever
Boomah
December 26, 2022
December 26, 2022
A lonely Christmas without you my beloved Son, but I know you are not alone, you have your Dad, Grandparents and your two brothers Tony and Stephen, plus dear little Tara.
I love you and will miss you forever.
December 25, 2022
December 25, 2022
Merry Christmas in Heaven Lau Kung
Sending you lots of love and hugs, miss you always
September 1, 2022
September 1, 2022
Dearest Lau Kung, I tried many times to write a tribute on your birthday but somehow words just can’t express how I felt on that day even till now…
So much to say, but I struggle to find the words to say it
This is the year that I turn 50 and you turn 63; so many plans we talked about but sadly, we can’t celebrate together. I miss you so much.
We miss you… forever.

August 31, 2022
August 31, 2022
Hi Papa! It was your birthday on 28! I forgot to write it here hehe. Just so you know, you are not old UwU You are 63!! (meaning ur 36 =>) I have a present for you => It is a.....CLOUD!! So you can sleep on it :D I hope your heaven friends celebrate your bday with you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA!!! XXX OOO
August 29, 2022
August 29, 2022
Happy Birthday Stickels I know I’m a day late but you know me. You are loved and missed so much, mum is really taking it tough, her first born. You truly underestimated the love that so many felt for you but Dad, Tony and Stephen are now keeping you safe.
It took sometime for them to heal you but now you are free of pain and flying high, no more pain, just happiness with your dad and brothers. I love you Stickels my big brother
August 28, 2022
August 28, 2022
Today you would have been 63, my first born Son, but it wasn't to be. I will never forget the day you were born, never as long as I live. Love you Michael Francis, you are in my heat forever.
May 21, 2022
Hello papa! It is me, your 'Munchkin' aka your youngest daughter. I hope you are having an AMAZING day/night in the galaxy. I hope they will stop polluting the air so I can see you as a star.
Today, I will give you a flower so you can let it grow in the sky! I hope you enjoyed the mangos, avocado and Tim-Tams me and mummy gave you! We chose your favourite Tim-Tams - DOUBLE COAT!!!!!
Anyway...I also want to share with you a memory that I always have whenever I play the piano. I will remember your favourite song and you saying 'I can't get this song out of my head!' Then you would hum along to the song, haha! Now I'm playing Photograph by Ed Sheeran because I think it reminds me of you! We have lots and LoTs and LOTS of photos of you! I even have a photo of you tickling mummy. (so funny!) I also still remember the way you talk like Donald Duck! Hahaha!
Just a quick update, I drew mummy's favourite photo of the three of us in Genting Highlands not long ago. It took me a week to get it done because I had to LITERALLY hide from mummy so she wouldn't see it yet (it was very hard). But, I got it done! Mummy liked it, I hope you like it too.
Lastly and most important message of all is... I LOVE YOU!! XXX OOO
May 21, 2022
May 21, 2022
Dearest Lau Kung, this truly has been the longest 1 year of my life, missing you so much ....
I thought of you today,
But that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday,
And days before that too.
I think of you in silence,
I often speak your name.
All I have are memories and
your picture in a frame.
Your memory is a keepsake
from which I'll never part.
God has you in His arms,
I have you in my heart... forever.

WO AI NI Lau Kung ❤️
May 21, 2022
Dearest Michael, one year without you has been very, very hard, I miss you so very much. I hope you are at peace and are enjoying the company of your Dad, your brothers Tony and Stephen plus your neice Tara. Much love Mum.
August 30, 2021
August 30, 2021
Thank you for continually inspiring me to do my best. You help me strive for goals. I found guidance, friendship discipline and love, everything in one person. And that person was you. Rest in Peace, Michael my Mentor.
August 28, 2021
August 28, 2021
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and we are very sorry for your loss. This is indeed a very difficult time for those who loved him.
Despite the loss of his physical presence. I believe he is in a more peaceful and happier place. God Bless.
August 28, 2021
August 28, 2021
Happy birthday, my Daddy. I will be enjoying some twiggies, ginger beer and Turkish delight just for you. I love you. My heart is so heavy. ❤️
August 28, 2021
August 28, 2021
Thank you sifu Michael for all that you have done for me. You came into my life when I was struggling with my priorities and clarity. You helped me focus on what I needed to do. All these, while helping me deal with the grief of losing my beloved father. You will be missed but I know you're in a better place now. Till we meet again when it's my turn to cross that white line, rest in peace. 
August 28, 2021
August 28, 2021
Missing you soo very much today on your birthday my Son, many tears. Have been listening to a USB of music you made for me a few months ago, it tells a story.
I love you Michael Francis and will miss you until the day I die.
August 28, 2021
August 28, 2021
Happy heavenly birthday Stickels you are missed and needed more than you will ever know. I am celebrating your birthday today by wearing pink and accepting you are now at peace. Love you my big bro
August 28, 2021
August 28, 2021
We think of things you used to say
And all that you would do
Many times every single day
Our thoughts will turn to you
Especially on your 62nd birthday today
We are celebrating your life and special memories of you xxx

Love you Lau Kung and Papa, always and forever
August 28, 2021
August 28, 2021
I first met Michael (and Michelle) when he came to my company to deliver a talk on being a Champion. Impressed, and needing a kick for a new start as an entrepreneur, I signed up for the Champions program and further coaching thereafter. And Michael delivered the program with zeal, dedication and compassion.

I will always remember Michael as a kind soul, protective of his family and inspiring to those who have had the good fortune to cross path with him.
August 28, 2021
August 28, 2021
I'm forever grateful for all that Mike has imparted to me through his coaching session. He was ever helpful and genuine in his approach. I'm glad my family has crossed path with this beautiful soul. His memory and good deeds will continue to live on. May his soul rest in peace. 
June 12, 2021
My first born child, you never really knew your own worth. I will miss your joyful laugh, your kindness, your compassion, and your love for all those souls who you felt compelled to help. The light went out in your eyes when your Daddy, your hero, left this world. You battled your illness with courage and humour until the very end. I love you Son and will miss you forever.
May 30, 2021
May 30, 2021
My dad was my hero. I love him more than anything in this world. He was the only one who could calm me when I was anxious.
I miss him. My heart hurts more than it ever has before. The pain makes it hard to breathe.
My daddy. My broken daddy. I love you. I'm so sorry you were so sad. I'm so sorry you were so unwell. I will make you proud.
May 29, 2021
May 29, 2021
I first met Michael when I went for a preview of the course that he was organising (which I subsequently signed up for). He struck me as a person who was genuinely interested in helping others reach their potential. During the course and the following training sessions, Michael proved himself to be a great coach, mentor, motivator, friend and big brother. Hard when he needed to be and also kind and full of empathy when the situation warranted it. I can never repay him for guiding me to find clarity in the darkest times of my life, and also the importance of focus, in what I needed to do. I will always remember his words of wisdom, his "Botak by choice" joke, his loving, warm and fun personality. He (and Michelle's) commitment and dedication (always giving more than what we paid for when we signed up for the course) to help us be the best versions of ourselves will always be remembered and cherished, and I am so glad that our paths crossed. Wished we kept in touch more over the last few years while you were in Australia. Anyway, the first lesson you taught me was acceptance. I'm sure many of us will struggle to accept that you have left us to be with our Creator but we will eventually accept that everything happens for a reason and for our benefit. (I can almost hear your voice saying it now...). Rest well sifu, till we meet again.
May 28, 2021
May 28, 2021
Michael, met you 2 months ago and although we had limited time to get to know each other but you are very kind and helpful. Thanks for everything.
You are gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. May your soul rest in peace.

(from Winnie & Derrick)
May 28, 2021
May 28, 2021
I first met Michael many years ago when I was still in high school. My most vivid memory of him from then was during Michelle and his wedding, where he belted out, in Mandarin, ‘The Moon Represents My Heart’, or Yue Liang Dai Biao Wo De Xin. I think it made us all smile and laugh.

On the few occasions we met each other through the years, mainly during festivities like Christmas or Chinese New Year, he would often be the one who lightens the mood by cracking jokes, which were made even funnier with his loud booming voice and different voice impressions. He called me “Shanny!” and always did so in his most enthused voice. It made me smile. When I was younger, he also gave good, warm hugs when we said goodbye. More recently, my father shared with me how Michael had selflessly offered his liver to my Uncle in a time of need. Lying in the hospital ready for surgery, it was however not meant to be. Later on, in his eulogy at my Uncle’s funeral, he said, “No matter what the risk might have been; I would not have hesitated…I consider it a privilege to give.” Such is Michael’s compassion and courage, a rare sacrificial love.

Although we only had limited opportunities for interaction, I know how much the 3 of them, Michelle, Michael and Grace, loved each other. I hear it in Michelle and Grace’s voice every time they speak about Michael to me, and see it on their faces. The both of them are affected deeply by Michael’s death. The Costigans in Australia are too. I offer my deepest condolences to all of you during this challenging time. You have lost someone very special. May the loving memories you shared bring you peace and strength.

I see the love, support and care that has poured in for Michelle and Grace in the past few days, from Michelle’s sisters and aunt and Michael’s family in Australia. Reading through the many WhatsApp messages coming in from all of you, I also had the chance to discover the many lives Michael has impacted positively, through his life coaching programs and in Australia to end domestic violence.

Michael - Your warmth and love lives on through Grace and Michelle, the Costigans, and the many lives you have impacted. May you rest in love and peace <3
May 27, 2021
May 27, 2021
Michael and I often joked that we should write a Book about our journey together, because of the many experiences we’ve shared, that most couples may not have experienced in an entire lifetime together.
In the last 17 years as a couple, we have been through many ups and downs, but each time, we always came back together.

Lau Kung, YOU ARE RIGHT … we do have many beautiful memories together! And I thank you for your love and belief in us, no matter what!

WO AI NI Lau Kung ❤️
May 27, 2021
May 27, 2021
My Papa is a handsome, kind, funny, loving, caring, fun and MOST AMAZING person in this whole world.
I will keep him close to my heart and will miss him forever.
Papa, I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER!

(From Grace-Xian Lim-Costigan, 11yo daughter)

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Recent Tributes
August 29, 2023
August 29, 2023
Dearest Son, I have never forgotten the day you were born, a little replica of your granddad. You were a much welcomed and loved little boy to come into our family. I miss you and love you Michael Francis.
August 28, 2023
August 28, 2023
Lau Kung, Happy Birthday in Heaven
Missing you very much on your birthday today ... and every day
His Life

Our Lau Kung & Lau Por Story

June 1, 2021
I first met Michael 21 years ago when he came to Malaysia as a Country Manager (in 2001).

He interviewed me and offered me a job as his Personal Assistant, but I turned it down initially. The moment I hung up on that phone call, I felt very uncomfortable as if I had done something wrong. So I rang him back the next day and wanted the job offer. As expected, he gave me a hard time, by asking me to tell him why I really wanted the job after rejecting the offer. He accepted it and as it turned out, he was the best Boss that I have ever had in my many years of employment. He taught me people development, management and leadership. And I taught him organizational skills that he needed to set up a regional team of nurse advisors. We worked very well together, but soon his contract ended after about a year and had to go back to Australia.

However, we kept in touch and soon we discovered his talent in Training, Speaking, Coaching and especially in Writing. He’s authored a few books and one of which i.e. “You Are Brilliant” was also Top 3 Bestseller previously. We also started our company BRILLIONAIRES together and started delivering trainings and Champions Programs throughout Asia.

As a westerner here in Malaysia, he quickly adapted to our foods and culture … and even to getting around Kuala Lumpur! I would be even more lost than him, and I’m supposed to be the local. So, with him around, I will always find my way… he was my GPS!

Michael loves his food and he would say that the best thing about Malaysia is the food and the worse thing about Malaysia is also the food, because it’s just too nice and he just eats too much!
Well, who would have thought that Michael had decided to become a Vegan in 2020!

As a Trainer, Coach and Speaker, Michael was able to use his amazing gift to help many people breakthrough their limitations and to help them change to become the best version of themselves. His love for people has made go the extra mile in coaching and helping people believe in their potential and to start living their best life!

One of the most amazing breakthroughs that I have seen him do, was with a lady who attended our Champions Program. When we told her to draw a picture of herself on Day 1 and normally, you would draw a stickman or portrait, but this lady drew a straight horizontal line across the paper… he immediately started to coach her on the spot. In about 30mins or less, she went from having no meaning in her life, to having a purpose in her life, and on Day 3 of the program, she drew the most beautiful and colorful picture of herself that even had her daughters in it! Such is his talent to help many people breakthrough from what is holding them back from living their life to the fullest!

In the last few days, I have received so many messages from our Champions Program Graduates. Here are some of them….

“I will always remember Michael as one of the prominent people who had a part in shaping my life since we met.” (Billy Wong)

“Michael was a great coach, mentor, big brother and friend. I will always remember his kindness, his generosity, his dedication and commitment to helping us to be the best version of ourselves.” (Marlin Parabakaran)

“He was truly a great coach who only had our best interest and often pushed us out of our comfort zone. I knew Mike was chiseling me to my full potential. I’m ever grateful for the gift of Mike.” (Damian Prakash)

As a Leader, I just wanted to say to my husband…

Lau Kung, I am so PROUD of you for bringing Domestic Violence (DV) into the forefront of discussions with Australian decision makers, and for creating lasting changes and protections for all Australians.

Yes, some of you were really concerned for Grace-Xian and I, especially during the few years when he was in Australia. Indeed, it was a very difficult and challenging time for both of us, but Michael never stopped loving us and had always wanted to return to both of us. However, he had a cause to fight for and his amazing contributions and leadership has now left a legacy.

Michael has truly touched many lives with his amazing talent and gift as a Motivator and Leader… and I have always been his biggest fan and supporter!

Besides being able to speak, coach and write so well, Michael has a big heart to help people, not just through his trainings, but even donating part of his organ!
Back in 2008, when my 7th uncle was diagnosed with liver cancer and needed a transplant, he was the first person to put up his hand to go through the surgery and the many tests. Unfortunately, it was too late for my uncle as the cancer has already spread.
Recently, my 7th aunt messaged me saying that she will always be grateful to Michael for volunteering to donate his liver to her late hubby.

Such is his BIG heart and generous spirit!

Michael was always GIVING in his many ways….
So as we say our goodbyes to Michael, always remember his spirit and his amazing ability to Give. It lives on in the stories people are sharing of how he touched their lives, in the love that is visible in the eyes of our family and friends.

In the last 17 years as a couple, we have been through many ups and downs, but each time, we came back together!

Unfortunately, he was also sick for a long time. Mental illness is an illness, just like any illness, like cancer, diabetes etc. In fact, his illness became progressively worse since his dad’s passing, followed by the shocking tragedy of Tara’s murder few years ago. However, Michael tried very hard to overcome his illness and fight it, but he faced challenges and defeat time and time again, until it finally took him away from us.

Michael and I often joked that we should write a Book about our journey together, because of the many experiences we’ve shared, that most couples may not have experienced in an entire lifetime together!

But Lau Kung, YOU ARE RIGHT … we do have many beautiful memories together!!

All of you would have heard what an amazing Papa he is to Grace-Xian… and he truly is!
In our hearts, Lau Kung, you will always be our protector and our strength!
You may not be physically here to see Grace-Xian grow up, but we will carry you in our hearts wherever we go, every day and through all important moments in our lives, whether it be her graduation, her wedding and if I am still around, the birth of her child. We will always have you in our hearts wherever we go, even on all our incentive trips as we did with you to Athens!

Lau Kung, THANK YOU for fulfilling your promise to come back to us, despite the pandemic and lockdown.
THANK YOU for spending your last 15 days with us.

Michael and I did not get nearly enough time together….
But as heartbroken as I am, I am equally grateful!
Even in the last few days of completely shocking hell – the darkest and saddest moments of my life .... I also know how lucky I have been to be inspired by such an amazing man I call, my Lau Kung. He’s the one who believed in me and helped me discover my potential. He’s the one who inspired me and have always encouraged me to go further than I thought I was ever capable of.

So I wish to quote from our wedding song, “I’m Everything I Am” Because You Loved Me (by Celine Dion)

Lau Kung, thank you for your love and belief in us.
WO AI NI Lau Kung ❤️

Forever missed by Lau Por ❤️
Recent stories
August 29, 2021
Michael, with Compassion & Kindness you have positively helped many in your lifetime. That’s truly a life well lived.

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