1/22/11

The State Bar of Michigan is mourning the loss of its 47th President Patrick J. Keating who died Jan. 20 at the age of 83.

Mr. Keating was State Bar president from 1981-1982. He also served the Bar on the Representative Assembly and was a member of many sections and committees including the Real Property Law Section, as well as a former chair of the Attorney Discipline Board and fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation.

The grandson of Irish immigrants, Keating was born and raised in Petoskey. He joined the legal profession in 1953 after attending college at the University of Virginia and Navy flight school. He obtained his law degree from the University of Detroit. A skilled trial attorney, he was a strong advocate of arbitration and mediation.

Current State Bar President W. Anthony Jenkins expressed deep sadness at his passing. "The legal community has lost a dedicated leader who was strongly committed to the integrity of the profession. Throughout his distinguished career, he was always involved in improving the quality of legal services delivered to the public. He will be greatly missed."

Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 23, from 5:00–9:00 p.m. and on Monday, January 24, from 2:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. with the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. at the A.H. Peters Funeral Home, located at 20705 Mack Ave. in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Mr. Keating is survived by his children Patrick J. Keating Jr., Connie Leannais, Victoria, Krystn McIntyre, Brendan, Sheridan, and Alison, grandchildren Kaileigh, Kerry, Katie, J.P., and R.J., and sister Mary Wright.

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