MICHAEL THOMAS TRACEY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MICHAEL THOMAS TRACEY December 28, 1948 - December 20, 2004 Suddenly, on December 20, 2004, after one of his regular swims at the Pan Am pool, he was rushed to the hospital. His infectious spirit will be missed by all he touched. He leaves behind his son Rory, of whom he was so proud; brother Dennis Tracey of Vancouver; niece Shannon; and nephew James; his former wife and Rory's mother, Mary Jane MacLennan; his irreplaceable assistant, Andrea Erb; and countless friends. Michael also enjoyed a loving relationship with Betty Seal and was proud of helping her raise her two beautiful daughters, Alana and Ivory. He was predeceased by his mother Ada Ethel (nee Wilde); and father Hugh E. Tracey. Michael's son Rory was truly the apple of his eye. He championed his skiing, martial arts, boxing and athletic skills and hoped for his son to follow his intellectual lead. Michael had a vibrant mind and any topic was likely to bring facts and a clear opinion to the fore. Mr. Mike was the original metro, albeit in a most distinctly male way. His dress, his way with a sommelier and the kitchen were unparalleled. As a lawyer these past 25 years, Michael enjoyed a reputation as a skilled general practitioner who cared and fought vigorously for each and every client. He defended serious criminal cases and closed intricate commercial transactions with equal skill and aplomb. Michael had a wonderful year articling with Darcy McCaffrey, Q.C., but later enjoyed a long association with his dear friend Stephen Alsip, sharing an office together for many years at 137 Scott St. Michael was a social sportsman with golf, badminton, sailing, curling, tennis, skiing, pool and ping pong, and an active participant in the George Lake Fishing Club, but he rightly prided himself on his swimming. Having been sent off to practice his beloved butterfly with a tot of cognac since age 6, by age 16 Michael missed the Olympics by tenths of a second. Michael enjoyed a game of bridge with his favourites, although he was reputed to be a bit quick with the redouble. A funeral mass celebrating Michael's life will be held on Monday, December 27 at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Ignatius Church, Corydon and Stafford. Interment to follow in Garry Memorial Park, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Pallbearers are Dennis Tracey, Colin Lount, Martin Williams, Gregory Rodin, Steven Johnston, William Stovel, Stephen Alsip, William Skelly, Robert Napper and Gordon Howard. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to a charity of choice. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 1969