Adrienne and Family,

I was very sad to hear the news of your Dad passing. My deepest condolences to you and all of your family. I have the fondest childhood memories of time spent with you and he at the cottage, sailing and many Royal Winter Fairs.  My thoughts are with you at this difficult time...

Michael, in his hunting attire, would always greet me with his warm smile and charm after a great day of fox hunting...always making you feel welcome...Tally Ho Michael.
Michael J. Elder

When I think of Michael, I remember a very kind, savvy horseman with an  outstanding professional life and a love of family first! I will always be grateful for the part he played in launching my dream to become a trainer. He was a genuine champion of all things fair and decent.

Michael  you were a great partner to be with .. thoughtful ,a twinkle in your eye,always wanting to do the right thing and  and enthusiastic.  Thank you for the many smiles and good  memories.
Dean  Levitt    ( retired PWC partner )

Michael and I were Stewards of The Jockey Club of Canada and worked together for many years on tax issues relating to the industry. During our frequent trips to Ottawa, I came to appreciate Michael's intellect, negotiating skills, wit and sense of fairness in all respects. His passion for every project which he undertook was so admirable. He will be greatly missed. God bless, Mike.

Michael was a close family friend for many years.  Our families have shared good times and bad times together.
Michael, Susan Jane and Jennifer became neighbours of ours, fortunately within walking distance of each other.  I have fond memories of the many times we were together.  Whether it was New Year's Eve, parties by the pool,horse events or just hanging out. On at least one occasion my children were known to ask us to keep the noise down so they could sleep.
Michael was a successful business man.  A very caring father, one of the people you could always count on.  He saw our family through the death of my husband.  He gave an amazing eulogy at the funeral and continued to be a father figure to my children.  We became his " family".
Rest in Peace Michael you will be sadly missed.

I came to Canada in 1993 and immediately got introduced to Michael.  He was one of those amazing people whose mentorship can inspire you to succeed.  He did this for me, for that I owe him dearly.

It it interesting that the advice he gave me, I am still passing along to others today.

You will be missed. 

Rodney Hill
Former PwC Partner

May 9,2013

I was very sad to learn yesterday of Michael's passing. He and I had worked together as members of the Equine Research Centre's Board of Directors, at the University of Guelph.He had a very intelligent approach to problems, coupled with great people skills. He will be missed by his many friends and associates, particularly in the Equine Industry.Condolences to his family.

Donald MacDonald,D.V.M.

Michael was a friend, a client, a mentor and an important part of my life and the lives of many. I am grateful to have known him.

I've known Michael for over 30 years and by all measures he was a larger than life individual whose integrity and passion for life and sport were second to none. Please give my deepest sympathies the family. He was a fine gentleman.

Michael and I worked together for a number of years through some very difficult circumstances. He was always a consumate professional, a gentleman and a genuinely nice person. I will certainly miss his advice and counsel. It is seldom you meet a truly wise person. Michael was certainly one. The world is a lesser place without him.

Bill Wells

Michael, you taught me about the 'powers that be'.You taught me to face them head on and to 'do the right thing'. Your advice to me was a tremendous boost to my career.There are few mentors who are truly 'one of a kind'. My friend you were 1!!!

My sincere condolences to the family. As an arborist, I had the good fortune of taking care of the trees at the farm during the past few years. Michael was always friendly and extended the utmost respect and trust for the work I did. He will be missed very much.

This world has lost a wonderful person. He will be saddly missed.

With deepest sympathies to family and friends of Michael.
Glenn SIkura and family

So sorry to hear about Michael's death. Have many fond. memories of good times with Susan and Michael at TNYH.

Michael was a wonderful mentor to our Family, as we navigated success and challenges, alike, during his professional career.  We developed a deep friendship, as he embraced us, introduced us to his wonderful network of friends, and helped integrate us quickly into the Canadian fabric.  We are especially grateful for the gift that he gave us when we ventured to Nobleton to meet and adopt Sambo, our Jack Russell terrier, who enjoyed an amazing 18 years with us and reminded us of the wonderful character and friendship of the Van Everys every single day!  Thank you for your guidance and capacity to empathize with us, Michael, a true gem and leader in every way!

A friend as well as a mentor for the past 32 yrs.  Warren & I will miss you greatly.  A big hug & and a kiss on the cheek said it all for me near the end!
                                                       Judy Buddo Jones,Alliston, Ontario.

Andrew and I got to know Michael well in the past decade, and we had so much fun and laughter over dinners and golf, with interesting and broad ranging discussions. Michael & I beat John Emery & Andrew at golf - once! He wanted me to buy my next horse right off the track! (I didn't!) Andrew particularly admired his intellect and practical approach to life. His last note in our guest book was "Don't forget - I love the lemon tart". We won't forget.

Dear Susan:
How the years slip by. I articled on Mike's staff and with my wife Mary, purchased a home across the ravine from you and Mike in Lorne Park. Mike was a great help for a struggling student in accounts. My condolences to his immediate and extended family.

I was deeply saddened at the news of Michael's passing.We were business associates who quickly became good friends.Michael was one of those wonderful people for whom everything was possible.I know how much he will be missed by his Family and Friends.
              Ron Fournier.

Dear Pat and Alex,
I was so sorry to hear about Michael.  My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Michael." He will be missed.
We certainly enjoyed his friendship. 
                                                          Toni and Gary Urben ( NY/Aiken )

"My sincere condolences to the family . Michael was to me a friend , busines colleague and mentor. I worked with him as a young partner and he was a tremendous teacher and astute business man . But his greatest strength was how much he cared for his friends and colleagues . He will be sadly missed .
Serge Gattesco
PwC Partner

"My sincere condolences. Mike as we knew him at McMaster was an extremely integral part of the Student Administrative Council as its Treasurer. It was a pleasure to work along side him. My only regret is that we drifted apart after university. He was truly a brilliant man."
                                                                      Don Barclay (Calabogie, On)

Dear Jennifer, I was terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Michael was a kind gentleman and a great person. Thinking of you, Catherine (Mathewson) Scholz and family.

Dear Pat & Alex
I was sorry to read about the loss of your brother.  Hope you both are doing welll.  Carole & Bill Merritt (nee McLeod)

Michael was Chair of the Horse Show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair during my term as President. We met again as Directors of the Equine Research Centre at the University of Guelph. Grand individual as an person as well as to work with in these volunteer activities. We were friends.

OBITUARY

Michael Robert Van Every

March 26, 1941 – April 24, 2013

Thompson Funeral Home

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