Obituary of Michael James McQuaid

McQuaid, Michael James --- born August 13, 1938 in Toronto, Ontario. It is with cherished memories that we announce that Michael James McQuaid passed away peacefully from cancer on April 4, 2020, at home, surrounded by his family. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Karen, and their 5 children, Adrianna, Leonora, Michael, David and Jonathan; their son-in-law and daughters-in-law Hugh, Julie, Danielle, Lauren, and their 13 grandchildren; Matthew, Sophie, Alexis, Patrick, Evalina, Ryan, Aiden, Benjamin, Kolbe, Lelia, Chase, Evan and Adam; his brother Neil and his sister Maureen and brother-in-law Tom and their children; Meghan, Mallory and their beloved Sean.

He attended De La Salle College, graduated from the University of Toronto (B.A.Sc. '60) and Osgoode Hall Law School (L.L.B. '63). He joined Weir and Foulds law firm in 1965, became a partner shortly thereafter and was appointed to the Queen's Counsel in 1979. He specialized in civil litigation, administrative law and municipal planning law. He appeared before the Ontario Muncipal Board (OMB) and the courts often and had extensive experience in litigation across Southern Ontario. Among his many accomplishments, he was external counsel for the City of Toronto for the development of the Railway Lands including the Skydome Precinct and acted for the Ottawa Senators for the development of the Corel Stadium in Ottawa. He was recognized in many Canadian Legal Directories as one of Canada's leading lawyers. He was also an accomplished writer of numerous legal articles.

Michael was an active member on the boards of many organizations and played a fundamental role in the development of numerous charitable causes. He gave his time and skill to local community groups and international foundations. He was a man of strong faith and was a spiritual mentor throughout his life. He loved being a grandfather and made special efforts to make gatherings whimsical and memorable. He was a faithful and loyal friend and regularly enjoyed gatherings with his childhood and university friends as well as with the numerous friends he made throughout his life.

Michael was also an avid sports fan and an accomplished athlete who loved all team sports, squash, tennis, golf, cycling and took special joy in skiiing with the family at their chalet in Quebec. He was a devoted father and cherished family time. He loved history, the arts, classical music and was always an avid reader. He took great pleasure in gardening and diligently took care of his beautiful gardens at home. He was an honest man of integrity and wisdom who had a gentle, compassionate heart and a witty sense of humour and he sought to live his life with honour. His life and legacy are exemplary and he was an inspiration to all who knew him.

If so desired, donations in his memory may be made to The Princess Margaret Hospital or The Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care (tlcpc.org) at Mount Sinai Hospital.