Shawn Michael Hurwitz

There was no one who loved life more than Shawn Michael Hurwitz, whose life was cut far too short the 11th of October 2015. In every way, Shawn was a blessing to his family and everyone he touched during his life. Few people touched more lives with their warmth, authentic personality, genuine concern for others and extraordinary generosity than Shawn. He embodied everything good, everything fun – he was always busy living every day of his life.

First and foremost, Shawn was an amazing son, husband, and father. He loved his wife, Debbie, and children, Ellie and Scott, more than anything in the world. His family was his world and he was theirs. Married nearly 23 years, Debbie and Shawn enjoyed life. Shawn marveled at Debbie’s determination, her athleticism and her love for family and friends. Together, they welcomed friends, new and old, in good times and bad – always with open arms. To say he was a proud husband is an understatement. That is even more true for the love and pride he felt for his family as a whole. Ellie and Scott were the lights of his life. He was always there for them, for every success and stumble, beaming with adoration and pride with his huge smile.

Shawn was born the 2nd of July 1965, to proud parents Barbara and Charles Hurwitz in San Antonio, Texas, before moving to Houston at the age of 3. He graduated from Proctor Academy, the University of California, Santa Barbara, and The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. From his earliest years, Shawn’s trademarked smile and love of life were on display. He and his brother, David, were and still are the light of their parents’ lives. His parents never made a secret of their pride and unending love for Shawn, his accomplishments and his family. Shawn was blessed with the love of his second parents, Larry and the late Marion Risen, his in-laws, who shared a deep and mutual admiration and affection for him. He loved his family, who will forever treasure their time and memories with him.

Shawn was a shining success in virtually everything he did and with everyone he touched. In business and in the community, he had a unique way of making things happen…the right way. He was revered as the President and Vice Chairman of MAXXAM Inc., a company in the real estate development and pari-mutuel racing business. Shawn also served as Chairman and CEO of MCO Properties Inc., a real estate company focused on community development, and as CEO of Sam Houston Race Park LLC. In business and in politics, he was sought out as a leader, a mentor and advisor. He was equally respected in Austin political circles as well as across Young President’s Organization, where he served as the Houston Chapter Chair.

As successful as Shawn was in business, it was his contributions to society and education that made him most proud and is what will leave the most indelible imprint on his legacy. Shawn gave his time, his talents and his resources to countless organizations, including University of Texas McCombs School of Business, where he was lifetime member of the Advisory Board, The Longhorn Foundation, The Kinkaid School and many political passions. Most of all, Shawn believed in KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program), where he served as Chairman as well as in numerous other leadership roles over the decades.

Shawn is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; his children, Ellie and Scott; his parents, Barbara and Charles Hurwitz; his brother, David Hurwitz, and his wife, Dori Hurwitz, and their children, Oliver and Ava Hurwitz; his father in-law, Larry Risen; sister in-laws, Lynne Longo, her husband, Pete Longo and their daughter, Wendy; Cindy Risen; and Patty Risen and her children, Kendra Risen, Ryan Kohlman, and Emma Kohlman. But, Shawn’s world of family extended far outside the traditional realm.

Shawn had many friends near and far, many of whom each considered him their very best friend. His connections were deep and meaningful and most importantly, lasting. His friendships will endure the test of time, and every golf swing, every joke, every political commentary will be a testament to the way he lived and loved life.

A Celebration of Shawn’s Life, officiated by Rabbi Steven Gross, will be held at half past one o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 15th of October at Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood Boulevard.

Honorary pallbearers are David Hurwitz, Frank "Bubba" Vandiver, Phil Pastan, Marc Oster, Bernt "Dis" Netland, David Ducote, Gary Stein, Ward Sheffield, Bobby Hatcher, Chris Papouras, Roy Camberg, Dwight Scott, Bill Otto, Juan Restrepo, Brad Deutser, Steven Wolf, Todd Piccus, Eric Almgren, Lee Spindler, Jeff Grubb, Mike Feinberg, Peter Shaper, John Magee and Robert Fleishman.

In lieu of the customary remembrances, memorial donations can be made to The Shawn Hurwitz Longhorn Scholarship for KIPPsters, 10711 Kipp Way Houston, Texas 77099 KIPPHOUSTON.ORG Please note the donation for The Shawn Hurwitz Longhorn Scholarship.

Shawn’s presence will be missed everywhere. His gentle, outgoing spirit and impact on our community and world will be felt for generations.

The Minyan service will be conducted at six o'clock in the evening on Thursday, the 15th of October in the Jasek Chapel with a reception to follow in the adjacent grand foyer at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive, in Houston.