Obituary of Michael MacNaughton

Michael John MacNaughton Unexpectedly, peacefully, after valiantly enduring the relentless progression of ALS over the past 18 months, Michael MacNaughton slipped away, leaving a deeply saddened family, his broken-hearted wife Jodi (Marijo), his much loved sister Ellen, his parents Francis and Phyllis MacNaughton, his in-laws, Robert and Mary Coates, his travelling wine buddy Wade Coates and his wife Maria, his furry family, Reilly, Cyrus, Pekoe (aka Picasso), and his countless friends and colleagues. Michael was born in Ottawa in 1958, attended Carleton University for his BA (honours history) and Queens for law. He spent his entire legal life in Toronto, first at Justice, then Faskens and finally at his "home", Borden Ladner Gervais, where he became a partner and head of its insolvency group in Toronto. Michael had two passions in life, the law and the game of golf - which he managed to combine in his practice. He valued his friends and colleagues at the firm and in the insolvency community as together they wrestled with golf and solved complex legal problems. Michael was certainly more talented at the latter but never gave up hope about the former. It is impossible to express Michael's wonder and appreciation for the kindness and caring of those around him since his ALS diagnosis. His firm was stalwart in their support in every way, arranging daily transportation to his office, making it easy for him to continue to do what he loved best. His assistant, Marie Pacheco, was always at his side. His team of drivers under Ikram gently navigated him over the bumps. His care workers, particularly his angels Winniefred and Maureen, whom he loved, indulged and encouraged him. His colleagues rallied around with messages and visits and his legion of friends kept him supplied with laughter, food, drink, and hope. The attention amazed Michael and allowed him to keep that element of sheer cussedness that was so Michael, despite the crippling disease. It never conquered his spirit. We thank also the team at the ALS Clinic at Sunnybrook, Myrna, Dr Tanden and Karen, his palliative care team, Dr Goldman, Wendy Corber, and Dale Stedman, his doctor friends, George and Franklynne Vincent, and his family doctor, Tammy Hermant, for being there. There will be a private family service. A memorial service will be held in a few weeks' time. Donations can be made to the ALS Society or any charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.