Monday, June 10, 2013

The Faculty of Law is saddened to announce the passing of alumnus Kris Astaphan, JD 1984, on June 6, 2013, aged 59. A much-loved and accomplished law grad, he was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1986, and from 1986-93 worked at Aird & Berlis in taxation law.

Astaphan was born into a large family in St. Kitts and Nevis, and his is “truly a rags to riches story.”  His three degrees from the University of Toronto also include a BSc 1974, from St. Michael’s University, and an MBA 1977, from the Rotman School of Management, and stand as testament to his determination and “power of hard work and integrity.”

He was an executive at various companies, including within Michael Lee-Chin’s AIC Group from 1993-2005, Berkshire Group from 1993-2001 and AIC Limited from 2001-2005 concurrently with his position as deputy-chairman, National Commercial Bank Jamaica Limited from 2002-2005.

An entrepreneur, Astaphan was involved with a number of start-up ventures, including an energy company focusing on hydrogen storage and distribution, and most recently a venture into high-end dental orthotic supports for athletes.

His obituary lauds him as a kind, loving and selfless individual, and it was clear that Astaphan never forgot his roots. He created the Joseph and Josephine Astaphan Bursary in 2007 for Faculty of Law students, and has recently pledged to the Class of 1984 Award.

In his memory the Kris Astaphan Bursary has been established at the Faculty of Law.  The Astaphan family encourages donation to this bursary which can be made by contacting the law school at 416-978-1355 or alumni.law@utoronto.ca.

Read his full obituary and service details here.