With great sadness, our family announces the loss of Michael O’Keefe, who died peacefully on Saturday, June 24th, at the age of 83.  He was Brenda’s beloved husband of 59 years and is also survived by his children, Megan (Cameron) and Stephen; by his grandchildren Natalie (Jared), Connor, and Caleb, and great-grandchildren Jayden and Wilder; by his sister Maggie, and brother-in-law, Ron.  He also loved and will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, friends, and partners.

The youngest of five siblings, Mike grew up in New Westminster and then attended the University of British Columbia where he received degrees in Commerce and Law which were soon followed by an LL.M. from the University of California Berkeley.  He joined  the tax firm Thorsteinssons and it wasn’t long before his career as a leading tax lawyer took off. He served as a Special Assistant to the Canadian Minister of Finance, and was actively involved with the Canadian Bar Association and Institute of Chartered Accountants.   He was admitted to the Bars of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario.  As a member of the International Tax Group, he travelled to many countries worldwide.  Mike spoke and wrote frequently on international tax planning.  He was an Adjunct Professor at UBC for twenty years, earning the UBC Alumnae Award of Distinction.   He was a role model and mentor to many.

Mike gave back to his community by serving on several boards: the Vancouver General Hospital Foundation, the Vancouver Foundation,  BC Civil Liberties, Pennask Fishing & Game Club, to name a few.  Dear to his heart was the Children’s Hearing and Speech Centre (formerly the VOC) which was a lasting commitment. Many of our very dear friends also served on this board.

By pure chance Mike also became a cowboy!  He had never been on a horse until he went on a family holiday to the BarQ Guest Ranch and was hooked.  He became a cattle rancher and lawyer simultaneously.  Mike would field some of his client's calls while saddling up!  Some of his happiest moments were riding on the range herding cattle with his golden retriever by his side.  Entertaining our “City Slicker” friends was also a great joy.  He and Brenda made lifelong friends in the Cariboo.

Last but not least, he was a truly remarkable, warm, funny, devoted, loving and caring family man.

Our family would like to thank the wonderful South Granville Park Lodge staff, who looked after him so beautifully at the end of his journey.

Please join us at a gathering to remember Mike on Friday, July 7th at 3 pm at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, 4300 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC. For those who are unable to attend in person, the service may be viewed at: https://www.legacystreaming.com/kearney/

If you wish, donations may be made in his memory to Children’s Hearing & Speech Centre of BC info@childrenshearing.ca or a charity of your choice.