# Michael Cecil, 8th Marquess of Exeter

William Michael Anthony Cecil, 8th Marquess of Exeter (born 1 September 1935), is a Canadian rancher, businessman, and peer. Born in Kamloops, received education in rural Canadian and formal English schools before attending Eton College. After his graduation, he moved to 100 Mile House where he managed a store. In January 1988, Cecil's father, Martin, died, and Cecil succeeded him as the 8th Marquess of Exeter. He also inherited the leadership of the Emissaries of Divine Light, which his father founded, until he resigned around 1996. As of 2003, he resided in Oregon.

## Life and career

Cecil was born on 1 September 1935 in Kamloops to William Martin Alleyne Cecil and Edith Csanady de Telegd. Martin had immigrated to Canada in 1930 to manage the family's Bridge Creek Ranch, sized at around 15,000 acres (6,100 ha). Michael was christened at the family's ranch later in 1935 by the Bishop of Cariboo. He was educated in both rural Canada and formal English schools before going to Eton College. After graduating from Eton, he managed a general store in 100 Mile House, taking over after his father. Two years after he began managing it, he designed and managed another store named the Food Centre. Following the death of Martin's brother, ownership of the family estate—Burghley House—was transferred to a charitable trust.
Csanady died in 1955 after a prolonged illness. Cecil got engaged to Nancy Meeker, son of Lloyd Arthur Meeker, in 1967, wedding later in the year. They had two children: Anthony and Angela. Cecil and Meeker divorced in 1993. Six years later in 1999, Cecil married Barbara Anne Magat. Cecil's uncle—David Cecil, 6th Marquess of Exeter—died in 1981. Because he had no sons to inherit his title, it went to David's brother, Martin, and he became the 7th marquess. As the heir apparent, Michael became Lord Burghley.$^{:B3}$
In January 1988, Martin died following a short illness. As a result, Michael inherited his titles and estate, becoming the 8th Marquess of Exeter, which entitled him to a seat in the House of Lords from 26 April 1989 to 11 November 1999, when the House of Lords Act 1999 was passed, excluding all but ninety-two hereditary peers. He made his maiden speech in the House of Lords on 16 May 1990. Before the act was passed, Cecil would travel to England once or twice a year to sit in the House. Due to his infrequent presence, he did not vote in the House, but stated that he had "some wisdom to contribute", and that he was "listed as having things to say on environmental matters".$^{:n.pag.}$
   The title of marquess is still pretty good for getting a decent seat in a restaurant in England. But that's about it.
Cecil also inherited the leadership of the Emissaries of Divine Light.$^{:B1}$ Unlike his father, which had promoted "placing spiritual authority in himself", Cecil decreased the hierarchy within the community and pushed democracy to its members. Even though members of the commune credited Cecil with dismantling some hierarchy within the Emissaries of Divine Light, they viewed him as a "reluctant head" and believed that he was not fit for leadership.$^{:B3}$
In 1995, citing differences over "corporate direction", Cecil and his sister, Marina Castonguay, agreed to split Bridge Creek Companies, the family business, between the two of them and their respective families. Lilian Cecil, Martin's widow, divided her interests between the new companies. According to the split, Michael retained approximately 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) of the family ranch—Bridge Creek Estate—while Castonguay received the remaining 8,000 acres (3,200 ha). Castonguay proceeded to rename her section of the ranch to 100 Mile Ranch.$^{:4}$ Michael also held a minority share of Red Coach Inn and several residential lots, while Castonguay received residentially zoned land on 99 Mile Hill and near the local cemetery. Michael was given the majority of industrial lots on Exeter Road, while Castonguay received some of the lots on the road. Michael named his company Exeter Lake Holdings, Ltd.; and Castonguay named her company 100 Mile Ranch Holdings, Ltd.$^{:5}$
Michael resigned as leader and left the commune around 1996.$^{:B1}$ He then proceeded to move to Oregon. There, as of 2003, they co-ran The Ashland Institute in the city of Ashland.$^{:B3}$