With sadness and deep appreciation for his presence in our lives, we announce that Mihkel Erik Voore passed peacefully, after facing so many challenges, on March 19, 2025 at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. He left us while holding the hand of his wife, Cheryl Lewis, and after experiencing the loving presence of his children, Matthew Voore-Lewis (Julia) and Armas (formerly Amanda) Voore-Lewis, and his brother Peter Voore (Geoff and Ole) at his bedside for a most wonderful and heartfelt night vigil accompanied with music from Mihkel’s beloved Estonian Song Festival. Mihkel is also survived by his cousins Kai Voore and Mari-Ann Unt of Tallinn, Estonia, and leaves a supportive group of like-minded fellow Estonians who came together as family in Toronto. He will also be missed by his extended family of Lewis relations. He is predeceased by his father Kaljo Voore, his mother Hedo Voore and his grandmother Erika Nigol.

Mihkel attended the University of Toronto, where he earned a B.A. and M.A. in history and an LL.B. While a student he wrote and published poetry and translated Estonian literature into English, achievements he took great pride in. He had a long and distinguished career as a corporate and securities lawyer in Toronto, beginning as an associate at Fasken and Calvin and later joining Stikeman Elliott, where he was a head of the securities practice group and remained a partner until his mandatory retirement in 2021. He had a particular interest and expertise in shareholder meetings and co-authored the definitive text in the area, Corporate Meetings Law and Practice, which he continued to update into retirement. Early in his career, Mihkel spent a brief period working in what is now known as Global Affairs Canada; although the diplomatic life was not for him, it did provide him a unique and valuable perspective.

Mihkel met his wife Cheryl while they were both associates with Fasken. Cheryl often recalls how, when they first met to work on a file together, she felt the instant connection that would grow into the love they shared. She soon appreciated the intelligence, quick wit and wide interests he was known for. Mihkel had an ever-present sarcastic humour that could range from silly, clever or erudite, to biting, to just plain incomprehensible. It was “Voore humour” and it didn’t always land, but was always impressive in its own way. Mihkel gained many lasting friendships among his colleagues and was respected by everyone he knew.

Mihkel approached life with an unquenchable curiosity that fuelled his passion for collecting books, films, music and art of great variety. His house is filled with the results of this, which is a tribute to his memory. Mihkel loved fine cuisine and was an excellent cook, often making big and memorable meals for family and friends. His other great passion was travel. During his student years he travelled alone around Europe for 6 months, which was an experience he referred to often and drew upon throughout his life. He also travelled with his family, including trips to Estonia and China, and he loved to plan his travels, which was a wonderful reason to get more books, of course. He was a great supporter of the arts, attending and donating to many local arts organizations and serving as a director of Opera Atelier for several years.

In 2012 Mihkel suffered a spinal stroke, a very rare medical event that caused a severe spinal cord injury. From that time on he had limited use of his hands and almost no use of his legs. He undertook years of rehabilitation, which helped him regain some function, but never enough. Mihkel was always a man of the mind, and one to rise to a challenge, and that helped him return to himself regardless. He was able to continue practicing law, updating his book and, of course, collecting beautiful things. He was not able to travel again, but helped plan all his family’s trips. Mihkel also used the opportunity, the angel side of crisis, to reconnect with family after his stroke. As with many career-driven individuals, Mihkel’s relationships had suffered from the stress and long hours. He realized this and made family a priority, always providing love and support and enriching the lives of his children through encouraging shared passions. This was his joy and achievement in the end and will be a source of lasting comfort to his family. He will be sadly missed.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life for Mihkel at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mt Pleasant Rd., Toronto, on Sunday April 13, 2025, visitation starting at 11:00 am, followed by a service at noon and a reception at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the March of Dimes, which provided the attendant services Mihkel relied on after his stroke. We would have been lost without the wonderful people who provided friendly support to Mihkel on a daily basis. Donations may also be made to Sunnybrook Hospital, which provided the emergency support he often needed. For online condolences please visit www.etouch.ca.