LYBARGER o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2008-06-26 published
BALLANTYNE,
Michael
Alan
Born February 27, 1945. Passed away on June 19, 2008 at the University
of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, in the loving arms
of his wife and children. Beloved husband of Penny, devoted father
of Erin (Michael
NARDONE,)
Alexandra and Nick and adored Pop-Pop
to granddaughter Uma. Eldest
son of the late Al and Barbara
BALLANTYNE,
brother of Alan, Steven, John (Pat) and Bob, uncle of Michelle,
Andrea, Denise, Jennifer, Katie, Aliya, Chelsea and Amanda, Chris,
Ethan, Seth, Matthew, Ian and Sean. Also survived by in-laws
Gordon and Gladys
AUMOND, and Mike
AUMOND
(Carmen) and Debra
AUMOND
(Russ
LYBARGER.) Mike's childhood was spent on military
bases in Canada, the U.S.A., and Europe. After high school in
Ottawa, he studied political science at Carleton University,
but left after his third year to join the civil rights movement
in the U.S., registering black voters in rural Alabama and experiencing
the hospitality of an Alabama jail. He joined the March on Washington
and heard Martin Luther King's famous 'I have a dream' speech.
He spent the next ten years travelling and working in Africa,
South America, Europe and Asia. True to form, he managed to be
in the most unstable and dangerous (he would say exciting) locations
as often as possible. With his great friend, the late Larry Uteck,
he made his way through Asia, staying to work for Save the Children
Fund in Vietnam and Cambodia during the last years of the war.
He and Larry travelled up the Mekong River under fire, and were
together in Phnom Penh when it fell. Michael's children much
preferred stories of Dad's travels to any others. Michael first
came to Yellowknife in 1969 to visit his parents, who had settled
there after his father retired from the Army to serve as the
first Director of Industry in the newly established Territorial
Government. He later worked at the Giant Yellowknife Gold Mine,
and served on the CASAW executive. He won a seat on City
Council in 1978, followed by two terms as Mayor of Yellowknife
from 1979-83. Michael was elected in 1983 as the Member of the
Legislative Assembly, and was appointed to Cabinet in 1985, serving
as Minister of Finance and Minister of Justice, among other appointments.
Following re-election in 1991, Michael was elected Speaker of
the Legislative Assembly and oversaw the construction and opening
of the distinctive Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly
building. He did not seek election for a fourth term. His colleagues
recall his talents in building bridges and achieving consensus
on major issues both inside and outside of government. Michael
was a founding Director of the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre
and worked closely from 1980-83 with Roy Megarry and Richard
DOYLE of the Globe and Mail newspaper to raise funds to build
a performing arts theatre in Yellowknife. He also served on the
boards of many sports and community associations. In 1996, Michael
joined Aber Resources Ltd., (now Harry Winston) serving as Vice
President, Northwest Territories. Together with colleagues at
Rio Tinto, Michael helped meet the early challenges of constructing
the Diavik diamond mine north of Yellowknife, bringing it into
operation and establishing the mine's reputation as a respected
member of the Northwest Territories's corporate community. From
2002-2005, he also held an appointment as Vice-President of Laurelton
Diamonds Inc (a subsidiary of Tiffany and Co.) and worked closely
with Tiffany to establish a diamond cutting and polishing plant
in Yellowknife. Michael loved nothing more than solving complex
problems, and he was a master of sensitive negotiations. He loved
the diamond industry, and the north, and despite his failing
health, found it impossible to retire, continuing to work for
Harry Winston until the time of his death. A big man with a booming
voice, sharp intellect and an irrepressible sense of humour,
Mike loved a good debate, preferably one that was complex, nuanced
and went on into the wee hours. He read voraciously and was a
fully involved citizen of the world. He loved politics, sports,
military history, his Friends and family, and had a deep empathy
for the vulnerable amongst us. He practiced a private and direct
kindness, and treated everyone with respect. He especially enjoyed
his children's Friends, and liked nothing better than to 'hold
court' with a group of young people, engaging and challenging
them and sharing stories of his travels and adventures. A sudden,
catastrophic illness in 2000 led to a liver transplant, made
possible by the selflessness of an anonymous donor, for which
Mike's family will be forever grateful. The next eight years
were 'bonus' years, as he liked to call them, spent enjoying
every well moment to the fullest, and enduring many health challenges
with strength and without complaint. The family would like to
express their deep gratitude to the Liver Transplant Team at
the University of Alberta Hospital for their miracles, expert
care and kindness over the last eight years. A very special thanks
to Kate and her compassionate staff on 3G2. Thanks also to Doctor Peter
Kallos for his Friendship and care of Michael for many years,
and to Doctor Richard Nuttall, the CTU, West 2 and Intensive
Care Unit staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. A funeral
service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 11: 30 a.m.
at Saint_John the Divine Anglican Church, 1611 Quadra Street, Victoria,
British Columbia. A memorial celebration is also planned for
July 26, 2008 in Yellowknife, at the Yellowknife Community Arena.
In memory of Michael, please consider signing an organ donation
card and informing your family that you have done so. If desired,
donations to the University Hospital Foundation, 1H191 WMC,
8440 - 112 St. N.W., Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2B7, may be made in
Michael's name; please indicate that the donation is for the
Liver Transplant Program. Memories and condolences may be forwarded
to ballantynefamily@yahoo.ca.
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