Michael Christopher Kwiatkowski Memorial Bursary

Michael Kwiatkowski – father, son, brother, friend and distinguished lawyer, passed away suddenly on October 1, 2026. As a partner at McLeod Law, he headed the Commercial Litigation Group where he focused on construction related high-conflict disputes, commercial real estate matters and other complex commercial litigation.

Michael was born and raised in Ontario, moving west to attend Simon Fraser University to pursue a B.A. in criminology and to pursue his passion for snowboarding. Michael was selected for Canada’s National team until an injury sidelined his future snowboarding prospects but did not deter him from attending law school at the University of Calgary. He joined McLeod Law as an articling student in 2007, was called to the bar in 2008 and became a partner in 2014.

Michael was the adoring and devoted father to his two children, Avarey and Caleb. He and his children travelled extensively and spent countless holidays dirt biking, skiing, boating, tubing, camping and living large. He was so very proud of his children and their many skills and talents.

Despite the demands of his work, Michael taught the bar exam course at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law for many years. And with thoughts never far from the slopes, he also volunteered his time as a director with the Alberta Snowboarding Association. One of Michael’s prized possessions was the torch he carried for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. True to his motto “live a little” Michael was a licenced private pilot and a motorcycle enthusiast with a passion for drumming.

Michael will be remembered as an exceptional lawyer, an energetic and fun-loving father, a talented athlete, a loving son, a loyal friend, and a man with an adventurous spirit. His legacy will live on through his children, his family, his professional colleagues and his many friends.

The Michael Christopher Kwiatkowski Memorial Bursary has been established in memory of Michael by his family and friends and collegues at McLeod Law. The endowed bursary will be funded through charitable contributions and requires a minimum total contribution of $50,000.

Please consider making a donation to the Michael Christopher Kwiatkowski Memorial Bursary at the Faculty of Law, University of Calgary.

Donations can be made electronically by completing the form below, or by cheque and mailed to:

Gift Processing and Tax Receipting
University of Calgary
OVC131, 2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1N4

Cheques should be made payable to the University of Calgary and reference the Michael Christopher Kwiatkowski Memorial Bursary clearly in the memo line.

Once contributions reach $50,000.00, an endowment will be established and an annual bursary will be granted in perpetuity. If the total amount received from all donors does not reach the minimum fundraising goal of $50,000.00 by December 31, 2028, the funds raised will be utilized to fund the bursary on an annual basis until the funds are completely depleted. If the funds received do not reach the $15,000 required for an annual bursary, they will be directed to the Faculty of Law General Scholarship Fund. The University shall not be required to return any portion of the donations received.

Questions? Please contact Ainsley Grant, Director of Development, Faculty of Law

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Michael Christopher Kwiatkowski Memorial Bursary

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