David Joel BARENBERG

David Joel Barenberg
(April 27, 1949 - May 29, 2017)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Joel Barenberg on Monday, May 29, 2017, at the age of 68 after a courageous 9 year battle with brain cancer. David will be greatly missed by his wife and best friend Helga, his step-children Jennifer Kelly (Beau), Darren Dumas (Melissa), his grandchildren Aiden and Carter Kelly and Declan and Harlan Dumas, his niece Rachel Herold (Rick) and their children Will and Emma, brothers in-law Bernie Knelsen (Monique) and John Knelsen (Judi) and their children and grandchildren, as well as many friends and colleagues. David is survived by his children Michael Barenberg and Alan Barenberg (Abby) and his granddaughter Ruby. He was predeceased by his daughter Joanna at nine days old, his parents Paul and Ann Barenberg, as well as, his sister Naomi. David attended Clayton High School in Clayton Missouri and received a Bachelor of Arts in 1971 and then a Bachelor of Law in 1974 from the University of Toronto. David was called to the bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1976 and practiced law in Stratford until he became ill in January of 2008. Although he practiced in many areas of law, in which he excelled, his passion was in criminal law. Over the years he took on several cases pro bono because of his strong belief in advocating for the rights of his clients. He was ahead of his time in using technology in the workplace to create a nearly paperless office before his practice ended abruptly due to his illness. David was an avid runner starting with short distances in high school and completing his first marathon in his early 30's then continuing on to complete four and one-half marathons in his early 50's.
Family was of utmost importance to David and he always was proud and excited to host family functions for everyone to the home that he loved on Kelly's Lane. He could often be found in the middle of the night planning his next computer project, completing house projects, learning the latest digital technologies and enjoying many genres of music.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the PSW's, nurses, kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance and all other departments of Greenwood Court for the exceptional care provided to David during his palliative days and for the staff's compassionate and comforting words during his final months. There are no words to express our gratitude. You are truly an amazing team!
The family also wishes to thank all their friends and colleagues for the tremendous support given during David's last few months. It was a long hard journey and the many emails, texts, meals, visits and outpouring of compassion and love helped us get through the tough times.
In keeping with David's wishes, there will be no funeral home visitation. David was a strong advocate for education which he strongly instilled on his step-children, children and grandchildren. He even went as far as correcting nursing home staff grammar when he saw fit. His body is being donated to the University of Western Ontario for furthering the education of others.
The family invites you to celebrate David's life by attending a reception at Revival House at 70 Brunswick Street, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 6V6 on Sunday, June 4, 2017, between 2:00-4:00 p.m. to share stories and enjoy some munchies and refreshments. The family would greatly appreciate it if you would contribute to a memory box by writing a short synopsis of a story, recollection or any other memory you have of David to share with them.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stratford Perth Hospice Project, the United Way or the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada through the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford, Ontario or 519-271-7411 or www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com