Michael McIntosh

Michael Chester McIntosh, Esq., age 68, passed peacefully on Saturday, July 8 with his beloved wife, family and missal by his side.

Mike is survived by his wife of 43 years, Iljana Gaffar McIntosh; sons Ryan Gaffar, Andre´ Gaffar and Eric Gaffar (Kennedy) McIntosh; and granddaughter, Eleanor Iljana Katherine “Nellie” McIntosh. Big Brother Mike also leaves behind his three younger siblings, Debra McIntosh Meek (Eldon), Mark McIntosh (Kathy) and Matthew McIntosh (Susan). He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Walter McIntosh and Patricia Sue Perry McIntosh-Boyd.

Born September 1, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mike was a lifelong Kansas City area resident. He grew up in Raytown where he participated and excelled in a trio of sports—baseball, basketball and football. His father was his first coach. He played basketball at Raytown South High School where he graduated in 1972. Always an apt student, he set the bar high for his younger siblings. He earned a BS in Political Science at CMSU and a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from UMKC in 1979.

Mike’s life was a trinity of family, law, and faith.

A father of three sons, Mike immersed himself in the activities and interests of his children. He and Jana spared no expense in ensuring their boys had every opportunity to feed their passions. And feed they did. They often showed up at events laden with enough food for everyone in attendance. Mike celebrated his wife and children’s Indonesian heritage. They were a globe-trotting family. Emphasis was placed on the education and cultural understanding their sons gained from such experiences.

An avid animal lover, Mike’s dogs were family. Mike didn’t think a dog was “man’s best friend.” He thought it was the other way around.

Mike was an enthusiastic and entertaining husband, father, sibling, uncle, cousin and friend. He was the family “shock jock” who often kept others off-balance with his humor. As the oldest sibling, Mike was destined to be a commanding presence. This presence loomed even larger when his superlative storytelling skills were on display. His was a rapt audience. Mike was a trusted confidant blessed with many lifelong friends. Yet he was like a Pied Piper when it came to making new acquaintances and they were gathered from ALL walks of life. His lure was the gift of his undivided attention.

Mike reveled in his newest title—Opa. Becoming a grandfather proved to be one of his greatest and final joys.

The law was Mike’s passion and he practiced for 44 years with no plans to ever retire. His accolades and honors were many. Since 1993, he was nationally recognized in Best Lawyers in America. He was a member and past president of the Missouri chapters of both the American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers and American Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He represented his clients with zeal and his thriving practice was built on referrals—not advertising. Mike loved sharing his knowledge and taught classes, conducted seminars and mentored an array of young attorneys. As a founding member of the law firm Shaffer, McIntosh & Effertz, Mike proudly proclaimed that in 42 years of partnership, he and Steve Effertz “never exchanged a cross word.”

Mike’s faith sustained him in all things. Weekly Mass was an obligation he welcomed and at times he attended daily. He believed in Catholic education for his children. His faith was the foundation upon which he built an enduring marriage. Faith made him the warrior who fought his way back from numerous health issues. Faith rendered him fearless when it became clear his failing heart would let him down. Faith gave him the “peace that passeth all understanding” when it beat no more.

A complicated mosaic of a man—there will never be another like him. He leaves a hole we cannot fill.

Heartfelt thanks to Kansas City Hospice House, where Mike and his family found loving hands, comfort and support during his final journey.

Services are July 15, 2023, at Visitation Catholic Church, 5141 Main, Kansas City, Missouri. The rosary will be prayed at 9:00 am, followed by a visitation. The Funeral Mass begins at 11:00 am.

The family welcomes all expressions of sympathy including cards, flowers or memorial donations to the Kansas City Hospice House, the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City or a charity close to the giver’s heart.