David Patrick Grabowski

September 5, 1963 - November 20, 2016

It is with great sadness that the family of Dave Grabowski, wishes to inform our friends, that after a courageous battle with cancer, he passed away peacefully at his home in Houston, Texas, surrounded by family.

Dave was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he attended school through his junior high years. His family then moved to Houston, Texas, where Dave graduated from Alief-Hastings High School, in 1982. He then headed to Colorado to the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, where he received his undergraduate degree in Business. He was a practicing Certified Public Accountant for Haliburton, when a friend, Larry Madigan, suggested that he would be well suited to become an attorney. So, Dave attended and graduated from South Texas College of Law, in record time. In less than 3 years, Dave was a practicing attorney! Upon graduation, he worked for Moriarty and Madigan, until he decided to go into private practice.

After a few years on his own, Dave realized that he longed to work for a company or firm that allowed him to use his knowledge on both the legal and accounting sides. Upon hearing of an opportunity, Dave took a position with Highlands Insurance Company, as Lead Counsel. And, in no short time added a trusted peer from his time at Moriarty and Madigan. Greg Thompson, became not only his right hand, but a life-long friend, that was the laid-back compliment to Dave's strong personality. They were partners through the entire tenure of Highlands Insurance and then on to become partners in their own firm, Grabowski & Thompson, LLP. While in private practice, Dave began what seemed to delight him the most, teaching. He had a natural ease that made him a favorite Professor everywhere he taught. He wasn't easy, but he broke down the law in a manner that actually allowed his students to learn and retain. And, he was requested over and over by students, for anything he taught. He always took great pride in the fact that he received rave reviews at the end of each course, and took the time to read every one!

But once again, Dave went looking for something to challenge him, outside of the Family Law practice that he and Greg had built. He took a position with the State Bar of Texas, as Regional Counsel. And, finished his legal career in the capacity that best defined his strong belief in ethics and integrity.

And whereas, his family is unbelievably proud of all that Dave accomplished in his career. It is not what defined him. He was a man of many talents and was always looking to learn and expand his knowledge. From his passion for old cars, to fine honing his BBQ skills, to learning techniques to help better his softball players, he was always looking to learn!

Dave's passion for old cars started at an early age, but never diminished. He owned and refurbished a '32 Coupe, Corvettes, Indian Motorcycle, and a couple of Shelby Cobras. The contacts that he and Debra made from their involvement with the Texas Cobra Club are ones that will last a life time. In particular, with some of their friends from the local Houston Cobra Club, who they spent numerous long weekend get-a-ways…enjoying the comradery from some of the best people you could meet.

Dave married in 1997 to Debra Rainey Grabowski and in 2001 they added a beautiful daughter, Samantha. She was a wonderful mix of both parents, and the light of Dave's eye. Wanting to teach Sam not only the fundamental values of life, but also how to have fun along the way, Dave bought a cabin in Minnesota. And, for 12 years shared some wonderful memories with Sam and Debra, as they fished, and enjoyed lots of time on the lake, each summer. They were even able to share a couple of very magical, snow-drenched, Christmases, that Sam would never have seen in Houston, Texas!

Being an involved father was one of Dave's biggest attributes. He started throwing the ball around with Sam, at a very early age. And realized very quickly that she had an eye-hand coordination that made her a natural softball player. So, he became not only her coach off the field, but on the field, as well. So many bonds were formed with families and players during those years, specifically because he made playing fun! He always made his players feel that they could do no wrong and constantly reminded them that they had to enjoy the game first (then his competitive side would roll in and realize that it was also awfully fun winning … which they did a great deal of!).

So much like her father, Dave leaves Sam the legacy of his keen brain and sharp wit. But also, a deep since of family, and the values that are most important in life. No matter what she aspires to do as she grows older, those deep routed lessons instilled in her, will help her do anything! And, that's all that Dave ever wanted, for her…for ALL doors to be open, and for her to be the happiest she can, in whatever she pursues in life.

Dave touched the lives of many people with his smile and approachable demeanour. He maintained his trademark sense of enjoying life as he saw it, all the way to the end. And he will be greatly missed by anyone that had the pleasure of making his acquaintance.

Dave was the beloved husband of Debra Rainey Grabowski for over 19 years and father to Samantha Grabowski.  He was the youngest of Patricia and Monroe (Boots) Grabowski's children. He will forever be remembered by his devoted brothers: Mike, Al, Jeff, Ron and sister Lori. And missed by his in-laws: Connie Rainey, and John & Donna Rainey, brothers and sisters-in-laws. He leaves behind 11 nieces and nephews. And will be thought of often by countless friends, and co-workers and peers in the legal profession.

We are blessed to have known him.

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Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, December 3, 2016, at 2:00, at Klein Funeral Home, 9719 Wortham Blvd., Houston, Texas 77065.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Langham Creek Family YMCA Miracle League, which provides programming for children with special needs. (See the link below):