Michael JEFFERY

MICHAEL JEFFERY (1942 - 2013) B.A., LL.B (Univ. of Toronto), LL.M (Osgoode Hall, York Univ.), QC
On July 15, 2013, Michael I. Jeffery, son of Harold and Laura Jeffery of Toronto, Ontario, passed away after a short illness in Calgary, Alberta, during a trip from his home of the last 15 years in Sydney, Australia. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Donna Craig Jeffery, and step-sons Damian and Brendan, his brother and sister-in-law Ron and Linda, nephews Danny and Ryan, his four children Alison Kist, Scott, Lindsey Lowy, and Adam, sons and daughters-in-law Stefan, Katie, Adam and Kerri, eight beloved grandchildren Jadyn, Hendrik, Tessa, Zoë, Hannah, Malcolm, Samantha and Sadie, his golden retrievers Bear and Barnaby, the alpacas Izzy and The Virgin Mary, and cat Beazley.
In his 71 years, Michael proved himself to be a man of great determination, steely resolve and boundless energy. An accomplished lawyer and academic, he was one of the youngest Canadians to be appointed Queen's Counsel in 1978 before going on to make his mark in international and comparative environmental law, sustainability, and climate change. After stints as Chair of the Environmental Assessment Board of Ontario, a partner at Fraser & Beatty law firm, Dean of Law and Director of Macquarie University's, Centre for Environmental Law, Michael was most recently Professor in Environmental Law at the University of Western Sydney, where he worked tirelessly alongside Donna as a supervisor to PhD candidates from around the world.
Throughout, Michael lived life to the fullest. He piloted planes, rode a Harley, drove an 18-wheeler, crossed continents by car and roped a steer to earn the moniker Rodeo Mike at age 69. He loved his animals, T-bone steaks, surprises and practical jokes, political debates, and most of all, his family. He could be a formidable adversary at times and, when necessary, your greatest ally. His generosity, offbeat sense of humour, twinkling eyes, and fiery spirit will be cherished and missed. Rodeo Mike will be celebrated in Richmond, Queensland, Australia in a year's time. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Michael's name to the Nature Conservancy of Canada at natureconservancy.ca and condolences can be sent to craig.grace@gmail.com .