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Michael RAGONA Obituary
February 10, 1941 – December 26, 2012
It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Ragona advises of his sudden passing on December 26, 2012. Beloved son of Paolo and Emmy Ragona, he attended Vancouver College and Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. From an early age he wished to study law, and in 1966 he graduated from UBC Law School, and began a successful career as a barrister that spanned 46 years. He was one of the founding partners of Alexander, Holburn, Beaudin + Lang and took pride in the firm as it grew from a handful of lawyers to over 75 strong. Over the course of his career, he established a reputation as one of the leading trial lawyers in the Province of British Columbia. He was a trusted advisor to his clients who regularly called upon him to handle their most challenging cases. His accomplishments in the courtroom and in practice were recognized by the Attorney General when he was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1991. Michael had a quick mind and a witty sense of humour, capable of telling jokes one after the other with a straight face and perfect timing. Thanks to his training at UBC, he was an astute bridge player and almost anything involving a wager enhanced his love of life. Traveling, especially with his girls, was a great source of enjoyment. But, deep in his heart, his most gratifying leisure hours were spent in the kitchen. He often joked that if he ever left the law profession, he would open his own restaurant. Michael also took part in the Vancouver Chapter of the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by two children from his first marriage, Tina Campbell, and Paul Ragona. He leaves to grieve, three daughters from his second marriage, Talia (Travis) Clarke, Bri, and Mischa, their mother Sue, his sister Fiamma and her husband Harvie Davidson and many nieces, nephews and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 11, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Cathedral, 646 Richards Street, Vancouver, Very Reverend Glenn Dion celebrant. Reception to follow.
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30 Entries
December 31, 2013
Michael, You are so missed. Rest in Peace my friend!
Anna Terrana
January 31, 2013
In the eighties Michael and I were on the Executive of the Canadian-Italian Business and Professional Association of B.C. and it was a pleasure to work with him. I was very sorry to learn of his passing and I wish to extend to his entire family my most heartfelt condolences hoping that the memories he left will be of comfort to all those who loved him.
Anna Terrana
January 14, 2013
Michael was a great social companion. I recall visiting Tollum, Temple of Dawn, in Mexico with him at 5 am! I will miss him greatly. Condolences to his family.
Dr. Derryck Smith
Heather (Stefanelli) Russell
January 11, 2013
MPR - to have been your "right hand" for 14 years was my very good fortune. The world is less bright without your smile, laughter and whistling (especially the Xmas tunes in July). Sincerest condolences to the "girls" and all who loved him.
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January 10, 2013
May you Rest in Peace Mike. My sincere condolence and Prayers for your grieving Family. Mieleen King Coldstream, B.C.
Gurjinder Sandhu
January 10, 2013
My condolences for your loss. He was such a wonderful man and always brought a smile to my face.
Gwen Chan
January 9, 2013
Mr. Ragona, you will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to your family. God bless MPR.
Avon Mersey, QC
January 8, 2013
It was with great sadness I learned of Michael's sudden passisng. He was a barrister widely recognized for his great talent in the courtroom.
I am proud to say I knew him as a fierce and skilled advocate, as wonderful co-counsel and as a friend.
His quick wit and great sense of humour will be missed by us all.
My sincere condolences to his family and those that loved him.
Dave Webster
January 8, 2013
Mikey....you'll be missed. Your humour, your wit, your compassion and understanding, your intellect, and generosity all made you one of a kind. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your world for the last 25 plus years.. It's been an honour to know you.
To " my girls"' (as he often referred to you collectively)' your father was very proud of all of you, your accomplishments., and loved you
all dearly. To you my heartfelt condolences, and may your memories of him always be fond.
January 8, 2013
You are missed Michael. Leave the light on, we'll be by.
James and Lonna Pratt
Silvia Bombara
January 8, 2013
Very shocked and saddened to hear of Michael's passing. We just spoke last month. Michael was a pleasure to work with. Always so professional and had a wonderful sense of humor. Always "Michael", never "Mike".
You will be missed.
Anne Lewko
January 8, 2013
Time spent discussing our mutual love of cooking and our Italian background, as well as the interesting work we shared will be fondly remembered. Rest in peace Michael. My condolences to the family.
Suzanne Windwick-Barnes
January 8, 2013
Whenever we saw each other at events you always reminded me of our shared birthday. You were one of founders of such a respected firm and you will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to your family. Thank you for the lamb dinners....God bless your loved ones and rest in peace MPR.
Eileen Finnegan
January 8, 2013
Michael you were truly a character and full of life! Ei am grateful to have known you, worked on cases together and Ei will miss you dearly.
God bless my dear friend.
Chris Fong
January 7, 2013
I am proud to have been associated with Michael for nearly 20 years. First, as an articled student that seemed like yesterday, then as his law partner that seemed like a millennium ago.
Much can be said of this fierce barrister and warrior who was always all business in the courtroom, but my finest memory of Michael was one day when Sue brought their three red headed darlings in crimson red cloaks to court to watch daddy in action. For just a moment, the frantic pace of the jury trial seemed to slow and life was in perspective.
I think it is telling that of the many brilliant cross examinations I have seen him conduct, that this moment would be the one I would choose as the finest to remember him by.
You left us too soon boss, and you will be sorely missed.
January 7, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time. Michael was a lovely man, Rest In Peace
Susy Parker
Colleen Atkinson
January 7, 2013
You have his eyes Misch. May you and your family find comfort during this difficult time. All my love xx
George Shimizu
January 7, 2013
Michael, I still remember with fondness dragging you to a karaoke bar in 1988. You were a fun fellow to be with, an honourable adversary and a true gentleman. You will be missed.
Kathy Botsis
January 7, 2013
My deepest condolences to your family, especially your children. Our lives are all greatly enriched having crossed paths. So many great memories and laughs to remember you while I was your assistant! My favourite boss; you will be missed very much.
Kim McClelland
January 7, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. I will always cherish the memories of working with MPR at AHBL.
Sweet dreams Mr. Ragona.......Susan Deering
Susan Deering
January 7, 2013
James Oswald
January 6, 2013
Grand Master, I miss you. I am so fortunate to have had you in my life. You were the classiest guy I ever met. A true gentleman. I will cherish the moments we spent over the last 15 years.
Rich Needham
January 6, 2013
Michael, you were a true friend and will be surely missed..i so enjoyed our time together. My heart goes out to your family,
Rest In Peace My Friend
January 6, 2013
May your soul rest in peace. Bob and Susan Deering
January 6, 2013
Max and I send our love and sympathy at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jan xoxox
Geri Powell
January 6, 2013
My Friend, it will just not be the same without you in this world. We did share a lot of great times, thank you for these. My thoughts and prayers go to your family. I know that you will watch over all of us from your position, it may not be the restaurant, but you still will be there for all of us. Till we meet again.
Mary Dale (and Renaldo) Esposito
January 6, 2013
I will always remember MPR with fondness. I enjoyed working with him while I was at AHBL and especially enjoyed the department dinners he hosted with the lamb shank dinners. My condolences to the children he's left behind.
Kathy & Barry Slocombe
January 5, 2013
Our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. We will miss a very special & dear friend and colleague.
Donna Kitagawa
January 5, 2013
My sincere condolences. We have lost a very special person so many respected and looked up to. He was a true gentleman and friend to many, and will be deeply missed.
January 5, 2013
We wish to extend our condolences to all your family for the loss of your father and and husband.
The Ciarniello Family
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