A. WADSWORTH MICHAEL

MICHAEL A. WADSWORTH, Q.C. It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael A. Wadsworth, Q.C., a football star who parlayed his love of sport and competition into an extraordinarily diverse and distinguished career as a criminal defence lawyer, broadcaster, corporate executive, Canadian diplomat and athletic director at his alma mater, Notre Dame University. Michael died after battling cancer for the second time in the past two years. He was 60. Far beyond his accomplishments on and off the football field, Michael will be remembered for his devotion to his family and in particular to his wife of 38 years, Bernadette, his greatest love and enduring passion. Though large in stature and a fierce competitor, Michael was a gentle, loving soul who possessed tremendous grace and was deeply respected by all who knew him for his strong faith, modesty and unfaltering integrity. He will be missed immeasurably by Bernadette, his daughters Carolan (Brent Lesaux), Mar y (Rupert Hamilton) and Jane (Matthew Flynn), and by his grandchildren Madeline, Michael and Brendan Lesaux, Ryan and Michael Hamilton, and Caitlin and Emmett Flynn. Michael leaves behind his mother Catherine, brothers Frank, Peter and Jeffrey and sister Kathy. He was predeceased by his sister Joan. Born to Bernard (Bunny) and Catherine Wadsworth in Ottawa on June 4, 1943, Michael and his family moved to Toronto where he attended De La Salle College. He excelled on the sports field and in the classroom earning him a scholarship to attend Notre Dame University and play football for the legendary Fighting Irish. Michael continued his football career with the Toronto Argonauts while studying law at Osgoode Hall. He entered private practice in 1971 and over the ten years that followed became a highly respected member of the bar. He defended his clients vigorously, representing them at all levels including the Supreme Court of Canada. Throughout this period, Michael worked part time as a journalist and commentator covering Canadian Football League games. Following a decade in the corporate arena, Michael was appointed in 1989 as Canada's ambassador to Ireland where he worked diligently to raise Canada's profile. True to his humble nature, when Michael was asked what he was doing in Ireland he would simply say that he was 'working for the Canadian government.' In 1995, Michael assumed the role of director of athletics at Notre Dame University. In the next five years, Notre Dame enjoyed the most successful period in athletic competition in its 158 year history. The graduation rate for student athletes was 99 per cent, a statistic of which Michael was extremely proud. Michael had an affinity for young people and loved to learn as well as teach. His life and the way he conducted himself had a profound effect on those around him. He set a shining example, embodying such values as personal excellence, virtuousness, compassion, and devotion to family. For all of his accomplishments perhaps the most remarkable part of Michael's life was his love story with Bernie. The couple met at a Catholic Youth Organization dance in Toronto in the early 1960s. They were married when they were barely out of their teens and Bernie had their first child, Carolan, at age 22. Throughout their lives together, Michael and Bernie remained deeply in love. While they adored spending holidays with their family and friends, their most treasured times were together during one of their many voyages that spanned the globe or spending a lazy Saturday morning resting in bed. They doted on each other constantly and could scarcely manage to spend more than a few hours apart. Last year the couple defied incredible odds when Bernie emerged as the perfect kidney donor for Michael, extending his life and giving them another year together. Michael's legacy will live forever as will his memory in the hearts of those who loved him. The family will receive friends on Thursday April 29th between 7 and 9 pm and on Friday April 30th between 2 and 4 pm and 7 and 9 pm at the Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home, 467 Sherbourne Street. The ser vice will be held at St. Michael's Catherdral, 200 Church Street, on Saturday May 1st at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Gift of Life Transplant House, 705 2nd St., Rochester, Minn., USA, 55902.