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Joel Cryer Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joel Cryer
Sponsored by Tom Palaima & Kathryn Brown on behalf of all Joel's friends and neighbors.
Tom Palaima
June 28, 2024
I miss you, Joel. You were a second brother to me and now my first brother, combat control in SE Asia, is 14 weeks in to chemo for stage 4 cancer. Austin has changed so radically I am sure you would be living somewhere where there a genuine human beings. But where that could be, I do not know. You are still in my mind and heart.
Tom
Tom Rapine
February 4, 2024
Miss you buddy. Memory of build with you, Brent, Rubin, and Yama.
Tom Palaima
February 1, 2024
Joel,
I think of you many, many times now. You were a second brother to me and a second self. My own family has been taken from me in these last years by death and distance. My own true brother 700 miles away now has cancer. So the memories of you and our seeing each other so often and talking through the things of life are keen and deeply felt. Another year begins of you as a ghost friend and brother and exemplary human being. We miss you and without you a central piece is missing from the jigsaw puzzle called life. How you gave to others! How you comforted and helped others! Our eternal good friend Joel.
Brian Jackson
January 31, 2024
Joel, my good friend; the world needs your honesty and fortitude more than ever. So sad you left us way too soon... Shala kahle.
Tom Rapine
February 2, 2023
More Joel mishegas...taking confession of a co-worker on a build in China.
Mike
February 1, 2023
Thank you, Tom and Kathy for sponsoring this page in honor of Joel. Every year the reminder gives me an opportunity to pause and reminisce on times past. And I appreciate it. The memories are so strong. Even as I try to write this simple note in remembrance, my mind wanders off to 1973 and all those years I lived with Joel. Looking back, those years are a snapshot of what Austin was like and what we were like back then. So much has changed, I wonder what Joel would think. (Elaine, what do you think?) Maybe somebody out there should write a book or something. Maybe somebody in the Department of Anthropology? With Joel as the central character, it would have to be a dramedy. By the way, where could that picture of Joel at the sit-in in the UT President's Office be?
Tom Palaima
January 31, 2023
Dear Joel,
You have been irreplaceable as a friend and as my second brother. We have moved and in the moving I came across a birthday card that you wrote to me in 2006, when we had known each other for 12 years. You thanked me for being a good and true friend. You were that to me while living and breathing and you are that to me right here and now. You we/are good and decent and kind and helped others move towards their better selves and not give up hope when they moved for a time the other direction. You helped me through the major crisis of my late 50's and early 60's. I cannot believe you have been gone a dozen years. You are always in my heart. To riff on Bob Dylan singing his relatively new song False Prophet:
Joel is first among equals
Second to none
The last of the best
You can bury the rest.
May the gods bless you, Joel, all of them.
Kathryn J Brown
February 1, 2022
Hi Joel! You passed away January 23, 2011, and it seems like yesterday. I want you to know that your business is still thriving and we are building courses for children that are ultra accessible for children of all abilities. It survived because of your family and good friends who shared their knowledge with us. Thank you for everything you taught me and all the laughter and the near brushes...with death. LOL! I'm sure you are striking a pose in your VW van in the great hereafter.
Tom Rapine
January 31, 2022
Wish you were here....
Tom Palaima
January 1, 2022
Dear Joel,
Missing your spirit Ten Years After!
You would not recognize what the world has become and I wonder whether you would find it livable.
Hope the hereafter has joy and laughter and experiential learning in it.
Your friend,
Tom
Denise Cryer Haenel
August 24, 2021
Joel, You are still missed and loved. Thinking about you today after today's news, and your mission with the PJs "so that others may live." Hope to see you at the open gates of Heaven. Love you, Your little sister
Mike Barker
July 28, 2021
Joel, miss you still my spec ops brother. Kathy and I are going to sponsor a facilitator award annually for you and Joey Cavazos (I know you knew him). Your and his efforts to bring challenge courses and adventure to ill and special needs children is an example for the rest of us to follow. Miss you both and hopefully you are setting up belays up there to help the rest of us on our way. Love Ya Mike
Tom Rapine
January 26, 2021
Jamin with musicians at night on the side of the road in Mexico.
Tom Rapine
January 26, 2021
Loved our trips rafting in Mexico.
Tom Rapine
January 26, 2021
Thomas Palaima
January 25, 2021
Dear Joel, Having a Czechvar now after walking with Lisa and our two aging basset hounds. You have missed the Covid shutdown and all four years of Donald Trump’s presidency. Hope you are relaxing in a Cuban style paradise!
Your friend forever. You have been irreplaceable. Tom
Tom Palaima
February 1, 2020
beyond.
You were a second brother to me, Joel. So it is perfect that I am flying up to Canyon right now to spend three days with my brother and hike in Palo Duro. Not at your pace, but you always watched out for those who were less prepared than you.
You are still much loved.
Tom
BRIAN JACKSON
January 31, 2020
Hey Joel as a "newbie" to the US so many years ago, you took me under your wing in a wonderful way, and welcomed me so warmly to Central Texas. We had some truly wonderful times together, and you are often in my thoughts...
anthony tormey
January 31, 2020
Hey brother, nine years and you're still not forgotten. Your still in the hearts and minds of all who know you. Pararescue is strong. Young men living up to the legacy you and others left behind. Ropes courses have also also morphed beyond what you can imagine. It has become more of a commercial high adventure activity vs the theraputic or team building element it started as. Your presence in the world has made a difference.
jeff Jackson
November 8, 2018
I still miss you and your calls....
February 25, 2018
dear big brother Joel, I still miss you and think of you every day.... you still live on in my memories and hearing your favorite music reminds me of you teaching me to dance up and down the hallway. You always believed in me and I wish we could still speak. I await the day we are reunited. your sister, Denise
ANH LE
October 5, 2015
Joel, I looked your name up and lo and behold, I learn that you have passed away.
I had the pleasure of meeting you around 1981, when I visited a friend in Austin.
She and I went to Big Bend National Park. You and she and I talked about your love of Big Bend. You mentioned that you caught and ate crocodile.
I remember you vividly as a gentle soul and kind and caring human being.
I just learned from reading your Obituary that you were in the military in Southeast Asia.
I am from Viet Nam.
I send my Deepest Condolences to your daughter and your family.
Anh Le
San Francisco, CA
Tom Palaima
January 20, 2014
Dear Joel,
As the anniversary of your physically passing from us approaches, I want to say that you have not left our hearts, minds and spirits. I read today the Larry Monroe of 'Blue Monday' on KUT just passed away. Glad you will hear now some good music on the other side.
James just headed back for his second semester at music school in Boston. Wish you were hear to hear his licks. But I know you are hearing them there.
Your kindness lives on. Lisa and I just celebrated our six-month anniversary. Your Czechvar is working!
Tom
Marc Huber releases Joel's ashes in San Francisco Canyon, Big Bend, TX
January 14, 2014
Joel, Apollo Rescue
January 14, 2014
Joel, Pecos River Bridge
January 14, 2014
Joel in southeast Asia, mid-60s, reading MALE magazine
January 14, 2014
End of Trail--Vacancy - Joel Cryer
Kathy Brown
January 14, 2014
Hello my friend,
Up late working on a bid for the company you gave me to run. I think I am doing a good job. Never dreamed I would find this business exciting but you probably knew that. Looking forward to the day we can run our own zip line operations like you always wanted to. Without you this opportunity would not be in my life. Thank you for this, all your kind advice, your crazy sense of humor, which I miss so much and most of all I just miss you. But, I know you are looking out for all of us. Bless you Joel wherever your travels take you now. I am uploading a photo you took on the road that you really liked "End of Trail--Vacancy"! Too funny!!
Love always,
Kathy
Thomas Palaima
November 29, 2013
Thinking of you as always on evenings of UT games. Also because I went to drop off a Thanksgiving turkey at Mary House Catholic Worker, a home in Austin that takes in and cares for indigent in their last stages of treatment for illnesses when they have nowhere else to go. Lynn and other caring people there had a chihuahua and cat. I remembered all the times you lent me the Catholic Worker to read an article that was in line with your concern for people in need. And the chihuahua made me think of your film project.
Take care, Joel, and Happy Thanksgiving + 1 in eternity.
Your old friend, Tom
November 28, 2013
Old Friend,
Kathy had kindly sent me a few of your keepsakes, together with some of your ashes.
Given your time in the Florida Keys long ago now, I went snorkeling off Bahia Honda this week and released your ashes on the outgoing tide. To me, symbolic of you now wandering wider worlds . . .
I will be in Austin again in a few weeks – my first time back over these last 30 years that you and I will not be able to get together. I will miss you deeply.
Thank you for so much!
Brian
Tom Rapine
December 27, 2012
Merry Christmas to Joel and his friends!
Tom Palaima
December 27, 2012
Joel,
Did not go to the Paul Ray and the Cobras show this year, but took in and will be taking in other music, as always, with four ears. A new book by an Iraq War vet, Kevin Powers, gets across some of what you struggled with in all your post-Vietnam days. I think of your personal courage and your goodness and your friendship and your humor and your ability to multi-task and am glad I still have them with me.
December 26, 2012
Wow Joel, I have to commend Tom and Kathy for keeping this open for us to share our thoughts about you and your wonderful friendship. I miss you terribly--our discussions on so many topics--miss not having you at our Thanksgiving and Christmas gathering. Will miss you for a long long time my friend. Velia
David Everett
December 25, 2012
Joel, I find myself dropping by on a beautiful Christmas day just to enjoy the words of your family and friends. Peace.
As the old saying goes, tell me who you love and I'll tell you who you are.
Tom Palaima
August 19, 2012
Dear Joel,
Every time I revisit this site, I am surprised to be reminded that the long, long time that you seem to have been gone is now just over 18 months in human reckoning.
I still listen to the music of Denny Freeman, Derek O'Brien and now James with four ears. I would give anything to give yours back to you and have you with me taking in what the Live Music Capital of the World is putting forth.
Rest in peace and do your thing, too.
Tom Palaima
May 6, 2012
Joel, I miss you every day. You were an inspiration to me and others and a good friend. You lived a good life and your generous and caring spirit lives on in each and every life that you touched. And, hey, I am going to Cuba, where your friend lived and fought the good fight so many years ago. I will remember you while there.
Tom
Beverly Rodgers-Lauer
May 3, 2012
Joel, I, too, am thinking of you on your birthday. I learned of your death on the internet after the memorial service and it took a while to wrap my mind around it. I hope you're enjoying your afterlife as much as you enjoyed your earthly life.
Denise Haenel
May 2, 2012
Joel...today is your birthday. I think of you and miss you everyday. You were are still are missed. love, your sister, Denise
Joel in Fronteras, Mx
Kathryn Brown
February 29, 2012
Hi Joel! Lots of activity about you today. Your friend Mike Spiller is preparing a presentation for the TERA/AEE conference using the images and stories prepared by your other friends releasing your ashes. I ran across this photo of you in Fronteras that we used for the front of your memorial handout and wanted to share it with everyone. Peace friend! Kathy
Kathryn Brown
February 9, 2012
Hello Joel! It's been over a year now since you have passed away and I think of you every day. Thank you for teaching me to do things that created such incredible memories -- for collecting rocks with me, going on road trips and being game for just about anything. I miss your passion for life and our full fat on lunches.
Denise Haenel
November 22, 2011
I was Joel's sister. I love reading your entries. I miss him too....and I loved the pics of his boxers.
Yolanda Rodriguez
September 9, 2011
September 8,2011 I was a Half Price Books in North Austin and came across THE LIFE AND TIME OF MEXICO. I opened the book and on the inside cover was the name Joel Cryer and I had to chuckle. I found a boarding pass stub on page 202, dated 04JUL, Atlanta to Moscow, no year printed. I bought the book thinking this is the Joel I knew back in the late 70's; but we hadn't stayed in touch. We did a wilderness trip with a group of boys to the Gila Wilderness, and last time I ran into him, he had been busy building ropes courses for the Austin I.S.D. So here I was, thinking I might find him on Facebook which landed me here. I am so sorry to have lost such a wonderful and vibrant person. "Good- bye my friend."
Tom Palaima
August 3, 2011
Joel, Denny just wrote saying Paul Ray and the Cobras with him and Joe Sublett are playing at Threadgill's South this Saturday. Remember going last year August? And at Christmas seasons past at the Continental Club? I heard a great joke the other day, and laughed for you, just as I hear these great musicians, too, with four ears.
Take care out there. Hope the sound travels to you well!
Your friend, Tom
A fine selection of Joel's Boxers
Tom Rapine
June 1, 2011
Thanks for that Tom. I'm still not over it. I miss him too. Still holding on to a tablespoon full of his ashes, waiting for the right moment. (Hope no one takes offense at the photo. My girls wanted them for a keepsake. They make me laugh)
our friend Joel
Thomas Palaima
May 30, 2011
This photo, taken Thanksgiving a few years back, captures Joel's friendly spirit.
I miss him and his wisdom, his acceptance of others, and his true friendship.
Brian Jackson
May 12, 2011
Joel, I could not have wished for a more solid friend. Indeed, the good die young; when I first moved to America almost 30 years ago, you helped me find my feet and got me started in the right direction. For this alone, I will always be indebted to you, and forever grateful. We had a lot of fun together in those days before I moved away. . . Those wonderfully memorable adventures we shared – whether rock-climbing close to home, rafting in Mexico, or our hikes in Big Bend. Your zany sense of humor and your abiding free spirit I shall always treasure, and I will greatly miss our frequent wide-ranging conversations and your sound counsel. Your passing is a huge shock, and it leaves a hole in my heart. Wherever you may be, I am confident your adventures continue; you had an amazing life that truly touched so many in profoundly meaningful ways and I feel very honored to have been just a small part of it. Go well, my good friend. Go well.
Dave Preister
February 15, 2011
Joel, I first met you in 1987 when you provided technical climbing assistance on my quest to fly a hang glider through a canyon in Big Bend Nat'l Park. After that we enjoyed good times on many rafting trips on the Rio Grande and other western rivers. I will never forget hearing you belting out "I feel good" by James Brown on a glorious morning on the river on one of those trips. On our final expedition together I plan to scatter your ashes on the summit of Aconcagua in the Argentina Andes.
February 12, 2011
RIP my brother. I'm glad you were born and put on this earth to influence others to do great things. That others may live. Anthony
Mache Treviño
February 12, 2011
Joel,
Thank you.
I am still learning to be wih you, to feel and hear you in this new dimension; thanks for the magical sunset at the beach last weekend. Still, I am missing you greatly.
You have given me wonderful presents for my life; in moments, in friendships, in values... I will do my best to honor you every day.
When we meet again, I know you will show me all the new places you discover on your new adventures. I am already longing for the hug we will share.
Brian Orsak
February 11, 2011
The first thing I understood about Joel was how great of a conversationalist he was. The first few times we spoke on the phone—we were second cousins but hardly knew each other—the conversations lasted more than two hours. He could talk about anything—Zen Buddhism, John Dewey, polka, Mexican politics, the “earthiness” of Czech profanity, Jewish lesbian punk rock—all in the same ten minutes. His stories were always unaffected and interesting, and after he told you the same story a few times, you never minded hearing it again.
He was also exceedingly generous. I’ve realized after talking to his closest friends that he was like this with many people. He would give you a couch to sleep on, or a car to borrow, or advice, or just some dinner if he thought you could use it. Thinking I could use a place to live, he once offered to let me build whatever shelter I could in his back yard (his plan was too complicated to explain here) to stay for all perpetuity somewhere near his fence line, sans running water. When I got married, he offered to officiate, and did.
He was one of those rare individuals of whom six or seven people, at least, would count him among their closest friends. When I lived in Austin, we spoke almost every day, and when I moved away we stayed in touch once a month. I’ll miss the bawdy jokes over bad Thai food, the abstruse conversations about why we act the way we do, and getting stuck in his office as he forces me to listen to music with him for hours. I’ll miss you, friend.
Mike Kaspar
February 8, 2011
Over 35 years ago I met Joel, another small town guy just like me. But unlike me, he was 28, and I was 18. We had so many other differences but yet, at the core of it, we were so much alike. He was like my big brother and just like an older brother, got me into lots of trouble. And, I loved every minute of it. He was at every major family event. He was in my wedding, and he was at my parents' 50th wedding anniversary a few months before my dad died. I could always depend on him. I could also depend on him to tell my most embarrassing moments when the group he was telling it to couldn't be any bigger. But, I loved every minute of it. Sometimes I laughed so hard my stomach hurt. But, now my whole body hurts, I miss him so much.
Jim Linn
February 8, 2011
I took Joel too much for granted. I just assumed that he and the old VW bus would always be there. I partnered with him to work with at risk kids years ago and got to know him well. He accused me of introducing him to running at Town Lake. I stepped into the hall outside my office not long ago and smelled patchouli and thought "Joel!" and he walked around the corner. He was authentic, genuine and fun. Where many of us struggle, Joel knew How to be a friend. He was my friend.
Tom Palaima
February 7, 2011
This is Tom. Call me.
No matter about the goat, you will always be remembered for who you are.
You are our friend who looks at each of us for who we are and sees the beauty in our flaws and the light that is ready to shine from the darkest corners of our hearts.
Thank you for listening and looking.
You are honest and kind.
You are always ready to help us with things big and small.
You set an example for us by being honest with yourself.
Your calm when beset with problems and troubles shows us the way.
You have taken the serious pain and sorrow that you experienced in your life, from an early age, and you have used them to nurture your deep human sun-path-eia.
You 'feel along with' others.
You walk a mile in our shoes.
I thank you for the Pilsner Urquells and Czechvars that are always in your refrigerator.
I thank you for the cowboy with a guitar bottle opener and the music of the Boogie Kings, El Vez, Ms. Lavelle, Paul Ray and the Cobras, and the whole Huey P. Meaux scene.
I thank you for the baskets of flowers on your front porch where I sit sometimes even when you are not there. And for the plastic lizard friend who keeps me company.
I thank you for the key you gave me to your house in October and for saying and meaning, "Use it any time."
I thank you for sharing with me your deepest feelings and thoughts and for accepting mine with true concern and friendship.
I thank you for enjoying a Longhorns loss much, much more than I do.
I thank you for all the times we have talked while riding to get your car at Ron's or to the VA or anywhere.
Thank you for always asking about Carolyn and James and my dad and my brother and Nancy and Virginia.
People are important to you. You remind us that people are important to us.
Thank you for being Joel, the best and finest Joel the world has ever made and will ever make.
Thank you for just 'being' in our lives.
Your friend now and forever,
Tom
PS Don't forget. Call me.
Karen Jackson
February 7, 2011
I will so miss my cousin Joel. We were the same age minus a few monthe. We were childhood friends along with his sister Donna. We use to play each time we were together. As an adult Joel visited at my house in Denton anytime he was near and when I was in Austin I had luch or coffee with him I will miss my dear cousin very much. karen Orsak Jackson
Linda Hargraves Sanchez
February 7, 2011
Joel, we were high school sweethearts and got married when we were 18, we thought we were so grown up, but from that union came our beautiful daughter, Cynthia, which I will always be so grateful for. We have managed to remain friends through out the years and I will miss so much our daily talks. Joel, I will always Love and miss you.
Jerry Dearbonne
February 7, 2011
Joel, you really knew how to live life to the fullest. Thanks for sharing with Vernie and I for all these many years. Nights will never be the same without your phone calls. You have a permanent place in our hearts and your memory endures through your many friends. Buen Viaje Amigo!
Tom Rapine
February 6, 2011
Thanks for the wonderful way you affected my life. I'll cherish our trips to Mexico, building challenge courses with you, the long talks over the phone, opening your home to me whenever I needed to get away from it all, and being the best "uncle" my kids ever had. Mia wears your crazy boxer shorts to bed, and I'll miss your snoring. Journey well.
Joel takes picture of Kathy on first rock climb in Big Bend.
Kathryn Brown
February 6, 2011
You are and forever will be my dearest friend. You taught me how to kayak, snow-ski and took me on my first rock climb. You taught me how to look up at the moon during the dark nights of winter and down at the flowers just peaking out of the ground at winter's end. My yard is littered with fossils we collected on our trips across Texas. You gave me some of your most sentimental things, like a Christmas pin that belonged to your mother and your St. Christopher's metal you wore in Viet Nam. Thank you for sharing what was so dear to you with me and for always being there. You were one of those rare individuals that I knew would stand in the line of fire for me and other friends, neighbors and family as you did in Viet Nam. I wish I could find that piece of shrapnel they pulled out of your behind. I need a good laugh but for now I cry endless tears because I miss you so much.
David Everett
February 6, 2011
Joel, you were a friend of many years, a companion and fellow Beaumonter who shared your countless life stories with me during our lunchtime visits. Your extraordinary experiences always made me think of you as a character from a Kurt Vonnegut novel, a wanderer with a heart of gold. You will be missed. Peace.
February 6, 2011
Joel, as my neighbor and friend for many years, I will always remember your amazing stories and sense of humor, your bright eyes and mischievous smile, your parties and the Scotties, and your aura of mystery that I could never crack, try as I might. I'll miss our visits and never forget you. Travel well, my friend.
Lynn Bilotta, Pittsfield, MA
February 6, 2011
You were a wonderful friend, I miss you and you will not be forgotten.--Velia
Selma & Ernest Cuellar
February 6, 2011
Joel you will be missed. You spent many years with the Sanchez family at many functions, due to your friendship with my sister Velia Sanchez Ruiz. We enjoyed your company. You were one of us. God Bless you and your family at this time of need.
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