The Haileybury Society is very saddened to learn of the death at 52 of Frederick Robert Isambard – “Fred” – Konynenburg (E 83) who has died on 9th November 2021.

A legal professional throughout his career, Fred was known by family, friends and colleagues alike for this deep passion for history of all periods, a subject he was to study at Manchester University before undertaking a law conversion course at Chester College. He was also a keen Liverpool supporter and a passionate fan of Bob Dylan, attending many of his concerts.

Lawyer and passionate historian

Appropriately, given Fred’s early historical interests, his studies at the Roman city of Chester enabled him to focus on an area of law which built on his passions and enabled him to thrive: the laws of shipping and international trade. 

(Above: Fred Koynenburg – talented and intelligent lawyer who was gentle, kind and deeply loved)

In 1995 he joined the City-based law firm Middleton Potts, becoming a partner six years later aged only 32. When the firm merged with Hill Dickinson, he became a bedrock of the firm’s commodities team, acknowledged in the industry for both for his legal acumen but also a profound practical insight enabling problems to be solved swiftly and with effect.

It was while Fred was at Middleton Potts that he met Susan Kearney; their son, Aiden, was born in 2005. Described as a very kind and gentle person with a great humanity and a large number of friends both within his profession and socially, he was also known for being both interested and interesting.

Remembering Fred – and helping others

His sister, Saskia, describes Fred memorably as “a perfect contradiction – an amazingly talented and intelligent lawyer, and at the same time charmingly unassuming and infuriatingly disorganised. Above all he was gentle, kind and deeply loved”. 

Fred is survived by Susan and Aiden, and his stepdaughter, Jade; his parents and step-parents; his brothers, Tim, Mike, Lucas, Nick and Joshua, and his sister, Saskia – to all of whom The Haileybury Society sends its deepest condolences at this very difficult time.

Photograph of Fred courtesy of Just Giving 

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Samaritans:
Call 116 123
Email jo@samaritans.org.uk

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