It is with tremendous sadness that we mourn the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Adam Fanaki. After a courageous battle with cancer, Adam died peacefully on February 15. With Adam’s passing, we grieve not only the loss of an extremely talented lawyer and partner, but of a remarkable and kind man with a passion for life and, most of all, family.

Adam was unquestionably one of Canada’s pre-eminent competition lawyers. While he was highly sought after by domestic and international clients for his skilled guidance and advocacy, we at Davies will also remember and miss Adam’s charismatic presence and indomitable personality. Always unflappable, Adam made navigating the demands of a busy and successful practice appear effortless. With his generosity of spirit and keen sense of humour, he earned the respect and admiration of all who worked with and across from him. Adam was a cherished friend and mentor to many, not only at the firm but in all corners of the antitrust community in Canada and abroad.

Adam studied law at the University of Western Ontario, graduating with distinction among the top of his class. After starting his legal career at Borden & Elliot (now Borden Ladner Gervais LLP), Adam was seconded to the Canadian Competition Bureau in 1996. This opportunity ultimately changed the course of his career as Adam went on to develop an interest in the field and a reputation as one of the best in Canada’s competition law bar. Adam re-joined the Competition Bureau in 2007 and later became the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Competition and head of the Mergers Branch. He also acted as Special Counsel to Canada’s Commissioner of Competition with primary responsibility for the design and implementation of major reforms to the Competition Act. In 2009, Adam returned to private practice, joining Davies as a partner in our Competition and Foreign Investment Group.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Kingsway Lambton United Church, 85 The Kingsway, Toronto. Further information with online condolences can be found at Turner & Porter.

We extend our deepest condolences to Adam’s wife Janet, children Isobel and Sam, and the rest of Adam’s family and friends as we mourn the loss of a truly special person.