T. MICHAEL (MIKE) QUIGGIN

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T. MICHAEL (MIKE) QUIGGIN Social Worker. Community Organizer par excellence; student of Asian culture and the martial arts; storyteller; news junkie and political observer; debater; new neighbour welcomer; husband to Dot, Dad to Aaron and Deborah and friend to many. Born and raised in Winnipeg, died February 13, 2009 in Toronto, aged 68. Michael is survived by his Aunt Margaret Morphy and many Ateah family cousins from Winnipeg and Victoria Beach. Mike was a leader - active in student government and sports and in community work. He graduated from United College, University of Winnipeg, in Economics; from McCormick Theological Seminary, and the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration. He received an Advanced Diploma in Social Work Research from the University of Toronto. He was Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Professional Social Workers, of the Family Court Mediation Service, and of the Refugee Information Centre. He was a minister, an organizer and a planner with the United Church of Canada. His work ran the gamut of social work practice and issues: from working with street gangs in Chicago to acting as a consultant with Toronto children's services, children's mental health services and young offenders programs; from rooming house support to affordable housing projects; from refugee task forces to the office of the Minister, Employment and Immigration. Michael was a man of integrity with a big heart. He was extravagant in his generosity. He did not suffer fools. He loved his family and friends. He was very proud of his Lebanese heritage, and told many tales of the Ateah's at Victoria Beach. He frequently reminded us that life is good. His parting thought was take the time to enjoy the small things . Dot, Deborah and Aaron invite friends to a reception at the Lakeshore Yacht Club (at Kipling and Lake Ontario) on Friday, February 20 between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Donations in his honour are welcome at LAMP Community Health Centre - Among Friends Mental Health Program, 185 Fifth Street, Etobicoke, ON M8V 2Z5 - or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 18, 2009