DONALD KERRY HRABINSKY

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DONALD KERRY HRABINSKY April 21, 1966 - November 5, 2002 Kerry Hrabinsky passed away peacefully at the age of 36, after a courageous 13 month battle with cancer. Kerry is survived by his devoted wife Jacqueline Freedman and their beloved children, Ethan and Talia Hrabinsky. Kerry also leaves behind his loving parents, Donald and Myrna Hrabinsky; his brother Kelly Hrabinsky, with wife Jill and sons, Liam and Harrison; his parents-in-law, Martin and Roxy Freedman and his sisters-in-law, Karyn Freedman, with partner John Sutton and Lisa Freedman. Kerry grew up in East St. Paul, graduating from River East High School in 1984. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba in 1987 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1991. He was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1992 and practiced tax and securities law, first with Thompson, Dorfman, Sweatman and then with Fillmore Riley. Kerry distinguished himself in his career, becoming a partner in his law firm just a few years after his call to the Bar. Shortly after that, he concentrated on venture capital law, becoming chief counsel to one of the largest venture capital corporations in the province. Kerry was highly respected by his clients and colleagues, and we extend our thanks to the many who gave their support during his battle. Kerry was also quite active in the community, serving as President of the Winnipeg Humane Society and board member of the Misericordia Health Centre and the Rainbow Society, to name just a few of the organizations to which he contributed. He was a tireless volunteer, both for community organizations and academic institutions. He taught at the University of Manitoba Law School, and was course head for the tax section of the Law Societys Bar Admission Course. Although Kerry enjoyed great success in his career, his family was the most important thing to him. Kerrys love and devotion to his wife Jacqueline and their children, Ethan and Talia, were boundless. He and Jacqueline shared many wonderful journeys together, beginning with their law school classes, their marriage in September of 1991, travels through Europe and Asia, and culminating in the birth of their twins in March of 2000. Even though Kerry became quite ill when the children were just one and one half years old, he was still thoroughly immersed in raising and caring for them. Spending time with his children, whether playing games or changing diapers, was Kerrys greatest joy. His desire to instill in Ethan and Talia his love of Jewish traditions and values led to Kerrys formalizing his membership in the Jewish faith in May of 2002. He and Jacqueline reaffirmed their commitment to each other under the Chuppah on June 23, 2002, with Ethan and Talia an integral part of the celebration. A special thank you goes to Rabbi Alan Green for his kindness and support. Kerrys devotion to family extended beyond his wife and children, to his parents, whom he persuaded to leave their home in East St. Paul in favour of a house five minutes away from his own, and to his brother, with whom he shared his formative years. Some of Kerrys most cherished childhood memories were of spending time every summer with his parents and brother at their uncles farm. Kerrys uncles, aunts, cousins and grandmother, as well as Jacquelines extended family, were an important part of Kerrys life and he will be greatly missed by them all. Kerry was also a devoted and loyal friend, and during his illness he and Jacqueline received great comfort and support from those people whose lives he had touched. We are grateful to all our relatives and friends who gave us their love and support, many of whom travelled from out of town to be with us during this difficult time. Kerry was fortunate to have wonderful medical care during his illness, and his battle was made easier through the efforts of Dr. David Eisenstat of CancerCare Manitoba. We are grateful for his unfailing guidance and support. We are also grateful to the staff of the Palliative Care Ward at Riverview Health Centre, who treated Kerry with great respect and compassion. Funeral services will take place at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue on Thursday, November 7 at 2:00 p.m. with interment to follow at Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Donald Hrabinsky, Kelly Hrabinsky, Nestor Hrabinski, Martin Freedman, Noel Golden and Evan Roitenberg. Shiva (evening prayers) will be observed at the family home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kerrys memory to the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2002