Following a distinguished 36-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Forces, Michael joined the Board of Directors of Pacific Opera Victoria in 2004, served as President from 2005 to 2010, and in his spare time led worldwide opera tours with Know the World Tours and Act One Tours. A committed volunteer, Michael also served on the boards of Ballet Victoria (serving a term as president), Broadmead Care Society, and as a Trustee of the Pacific Opera Victoria Foundation (2018-2022). He received the 2010 Unforgettable Award for Outstanding Service to the Arts in Victoria, and the 2015 National Opera Directors Recognition Award from the Association for Opera in Canada – Opera.CA.