Gallagher & Kennedy celebrates the extraordinary life of Michael K. Kennedy (Mike), co-founding member of the firm, shareholder, and member of the board of directors. We honor our dear friend and leader and admire the way he chose to live – always with joy in his heart, love, and respect for everyone with whom he interacted, and an unwavering commitment not only to family and friends but also to the legal profession and greater Phoenix community at large.
An avid sports fan who relished in serving as counsel to the Diamondbacks and Cardinals, Governor Doug Ducey commented that Mike was “a philanthropist and personal friend who was a tireless champion for the community that was his home.” He continued, “Mike left a lasting impression on everyone he met…” and “… dedicated his time to youth, conservation, education, and numerous other charitable causes.” An Arizonan to the core, Governor Ducey noted, “Mike cared deeply for Arizona and stopped at nothing to lift it up.”
Mike was known and loved for his easy-going confidence, seemingly innate ability to set everyone around him at ease, passion for the law, and sense of fairness in everything he did. He was instrumental in attracting Super Bowls and College National Championships to the state, served as Arizona Host Committee Chairman for Super Bowl XLII, and was a member of the Executive Committee for the Arizona Host Committee for Super Bowl XLIX.
Mike practiced in general civil litigation and served as local, regional, and national counsel to a variety of business clients, including Arizona sports teams, law firms, retailers, and energy companies. A leader in the legal community, it is no surprise that Mike was consistently recognized as a “Best Lawyer” by Best Lawyers in America and by Chambers USA. Mike was a member of The Thunderbirds, served as Chairman of the Phoenix Open, President of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation since its inception, President of the Maricopa County Bar Association and the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel, and was an inaugural member of the Maricopa County Bar Association Hall of Fame.
Mike was the ultimate team player – a real sport who valued kindness and compassion, inspiring everyone around him to bring their “A” game. A friend, confidante, mentor, and a genuine “people person,” Mike believed in enjoying life to its fullest and in creating and sharing good times. He cherished every memory, adventure, and opportunity and, if you were lucky enough, you were privileged to enjoy one of his animated stories, warm and hearty laugh, unique sense of humor, and life-affirming smile.
We express our sincere gratitude to Mike’s family for sharing him with our firm and the greater community for so many decades. We believe Mike’s life serves as an example of how to live well and thrive. Mike will never be forgotten.
We are honored to announce the 2022 Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Inductees! #MichaelKKennedy #LarryFitzgerald #AZSportsHoF @LarryFitzgerald pic.twitter.com/sYBU78l2ep
— Arizona Sports Hall of Fame (@azsportshof) August 10, 2022
Over the weekend, we honored the late Mike Kennedy who impacted the Arizona sports community and was the brains behind the “Diamonds Back” program. We could not think of anyone more deserving to have a field of their own. #DbacksGiveBack pic.twitter.com/sZWIhYlco0
— D-backs Give Back (@DbacksGiveBack) March 2, 2022
We express our sincere gratitude to Mike’s family for sharing him with our firm and the greater community for so many decades. We believe Mike’s life serves as an example of how to live well and thrive. Mike will never be forgotten.
Articles and releases covering Mike’s passing:
- Legacy.com Obituary
- Arcadia News
- Arizona Governor’s Office
- Arizona Diamondbacks
- Arizonasports.com
- Arizona Cardinals
- AzBigMedia.com
- Phoenix Business Journal
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