Fund launched for bicycle accident victim’s daughter

TWENTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD financial planner Lawrence Shamrakov has been remembered as someone who was “extraordinarily kind” and for whom “nothing was ever too hard” after he died tragically in a bicycle accident last week.

Shamrakov was cycling to work last Wednesday morning, as he routinely did, when he collided with a truck at the corner of North Road and Glen Orme Avenue in Ormond. He was taken to the Alfred Hospital where he passed away a short time later.

Speaking to The AJN, Shamrakov’s cousin Gary Gorov recalled the pair growing up together, only six months apart in age.

“He was a protective kind of figure for me growing up in the early days. I was a bit naughty and cheeky … he would tag along and look out for me,” Gorov recalled.

Remaining the best of friends through their adolescence and into adulthood, Gorov spoke of a man who was always willing to give of his time for others, providing advice and guidance, unfalteringly with empathy, sensitivity and patience.

“He was an old head on young shoulders,” Gorov said.

He added that Shamrakov was “a go-getter” who loved sport and the outdoors, and was “bright, accomplished, ambitious and hardworking”.

A respected financial planner, Shamrakov had recently bought into the company he worked for – attracting the awe of others by becoming a business partner at such a young age.

“Nothing was ever given to him on a silver platter. He worked hard for everything he ever achieved,” Gorov said.

His wife of two years, Rebeca, is five months pregnant with their first child.

“It was all he could talk about. He was extraordinarily excited,” Gorov said. “Family for him was number one. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his family.”

A campaign initiated by Gorov to support Lawrence and Rebeca’s daughter’s education had raised approximately $30,000 by the time The AJN went to press.

Asked what led him to start the fund, Gorov said that education was of prime importance for his cousin. He was the first of his immediate family to finish school (he graduated from Yeshivah College in 2008) and to gain tertiary qualifications.

“A lot of people don’t know what to say. When someone is sick, at least you kind of have the opportunity to say goodbye. I feel like this is a vehicle for people to be able to show their support, to stand behind Rebeca and Lawrence,” Gorov said.

PHOEBE ROTH

To support the campaign, go to www.chuffed.org/project/lawrence-shamrakovs-daughters-education.