Our Tribute to Michael de Pencier

October 28, 2024 — Michael de Pencier, who died October 6th, looked out into the world and understood big challenges and opportunities and acted on them.  These included the great cause of conservation and environmental protection, which he cared about deeply.  In this realm, Michael was active for decades, all the while chalking up major successes as a magazine publisher and in green investing as a founder of InvestEco Capital.  

Michael was a strong supporter of ICFC and he is already greatly missed by us.  ICFC co-founder Anne Lambert says, “He was a friend, advisor, cajoler—a warm and good-humoured one.  And, along with Honor, a generous donor.  Marvelling at his pithy emails made me a better writer.”  Anne has referred to Michael as ICFC’s “early adopter”, since he gave his support and encouragement from ICFC’s earliest days.

Michael was a big fan of the Kayapo Project and Barbara Zimmerman and he was thrilled when Barb was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada recently.  And this year, Michael took ICFC’s new CEO under his wing, meeting with Barnabe several times to trade thoughts.  

Michael served on the Board of WWF Canada as a Director and Chairman and with Mark Cullen (another friend and supporter of ICFC) was a key person behind the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign, planting two million trees to honour Canada’s veterans, and co-founder of GrandTrees Climate Solutions.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Honor and the family.  What a difference Michael has made.  Weren’t we all so fortunate?