Chuck Gist

Chuck Gist Surrounded by his family and friends, Chuck Gist passed away on October 1, 2009. Chuck was born in Kansas City, Missouri on March 7, 1950. Chuck studied journalism and art at NTSU and the SMU Academy of Visual Illustration. He worked as a civilian photographer for the Dallas Fire Department and spent many years as a professional photographer and printer. Chuck moved to Austin in 1980 with his future wife, Jan. In 1981 they partnered with long-time friends to open Hut's Hamburgers and in 1995 opened Frank & Angie's Pizzeria. Chuck's passions included photography, movies, music, and travel. He dedicated himself to each interest and often combined them, which generated a great sense of joy and satisfaction for him. As a gifted and recognized photographer, Chuck gravitated toward compelling black and white images of urban life, social dynamics and the people and places of music. His love of travel carried him to many places around the world. Some of his favorite destinations were Paris, San Francisco, New Orleans, New York and Key West. Chuck read and studied and absorbed these destinations. He gained a great understanding of what makes these places so special and grand. New Orleans undoubtedly remains his most photographed city. Those friends and family members, who were fortunate enough to travel with him, will recall a greater and grander adventure because of his presence with them while traveling. At home Chuck enjoyed the companionship and love of their cherished feline family members, Rufus and Macy Gray. It was also at his home where friends and family might be blessed and bestowed with perhaps the greatest of Chuck's gifts... storytelling. His ability to properly craft a fascinating story came with great ease for him and his listeners were usually rewarded with an historical insight, an alternative view, a captivating tale or a humorous anecdote. Many friends counted Chuck's companionship not in years, but in decades... a testament to his undying loyalty and commitment to all those he held close. Seldom to allow a kinship to fade, he truly loved staying in touch with his many friends and was always eager to lend an ear and impart some sincere advice in his own kindhearted and compassionate way. A man of undeniable courage, Chuck fought his difficult battle with liver disease demonstrating great strength and spirit. Seldom complaining and always with a positive attitude, he never lost hope for a brighter, healthier future. To the contrary, he could often be quoted after discussing a litany of health-based woes, as saying "...so it's all good". These words are his gift to us, for it is our lives that have been so blessed with this man who as a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, and friend has brightened our lives and charmed our world with his big heart and his generous caring manner. So yes, as we speak of our beloved Chuck and his undeniable impact on us, we must say... it's all good. Chuck is survived by his dedicated and loving wife, Jan; his adoring daughter, Rachel and husband Ray and their sons, Austin and Manny Charles; his brother, Mark and wife Kathy and their children Katy and Sam, wife Lori; his brother, Craig and wife Theresa and their children, Heather, Amber, Danielle, Brianna, Madison, Chloe, and Hayden Charles; his sister, Shawn and her daughter Taylor; cousin, Jim Belman and wife Bonnie; and many lifelong friends. A memorial service to celebrate Chuck's life will be held at Frank & Angie's at 508 West Avenue, Austin, Texas on October 25, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The family wishes to send thanks to Dr. Mark Levy and Dr. Imtiaz Alam and their staffs for the many years of compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Liver Foundation at www.liverfoundation.org.