Kenneth Schubb

Kenneth Schubb died suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, November 19, 2003. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home with his family. He was 52 years old. With Ken’s death, a loving husband, father and friend has been lost to us. Ken is deeply loved by many. This was beautifully apparent during Ken’s brief illness. He often remarked how surprised and touched he felt by the outpouring of love and daily gestures of support. He was a man of great humility. It was a privilege to know him. Ken was born in Jacksonville, Florida to Lillian and Alex Schubb. His early life included a paper route at age 8, and being a volunteer at the local library. He was also very involved in the Jewish Youth Group of his community. He went to Tulane on full scholarship in political science and taught for one year in an inner city school in New Orleans. After graduation he traveled through Europe, Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. Perhaps his love of adventure started when he was 17 when his mother drove him to the outskirts of Jacksonville to flag down a truck for his first hitch-hiking adventure. Upon returning from the Middle East, he went to law school at UT at Austin. He clerked for the Texas Criminal Appeals Court. Later he taught at the Law School’s Criminal Defense Clinic for 20 years and was its director for the last 5 years. He also pursued a private practice for a number of years. Ken adored teaching and was passionate about defending clients’ rights. His former students attest to his dedication. He was a lifelong learner who loved the law. Ken met his beloved wife, Olivia, when she was a law student and on their first date he knocked out her tooth during a water-polo game. Having made a lasting impression on her, they married in October of 1988. Gabriela was born in May 1991 and Diego in February of 1995. Ken was so proud that they were his children. He felt so pleased that they were part of both Congregation Beth Israel and St. Francis School – having that diversity in their lives was very important to him. Olivia and Ken and the kids traveled extensively to Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Bali, Japan and Canada. During their travels they shared a beach blanket with Robin Williams in Hawaii, raced with the children up a pyramid in Mexico and encountered a mother bear and her cubs in the Colorado Mountains. Ken never wearied of traveling and didn’t mind rising early during his travels to search for a good bargain. As a result he has quite a festive collection of aloha shirts and other amazing artifacts. Kenny gave generously of himself. When you talked with him you felt like you were the only person in the world, because he sincerely wanted to know what you thought and felt. That was his gift to us. Ken is survived by his wife, Olivia and his two children Gabriela and Diego, his sister Harriet and brother, Mark and other family members and friends. We love you Papi. Olivia and the kids wish to thank our dear friends for their generous support. The service will be held Friday, November 21 at 3:00 pm at the Congregation Beth Israel at 3901 Shoal Creek. In lieu of flowers and to Ken’s memory and to help others, please make a charitable contribution to (1) ACLU, 1210 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702, (2) American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1491000, Austin, TX 78714-9100, or (3) Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd, Austin, TX 78756. May Ken’s memory be a blessing. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials online at www.wcfish.com