Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Christopher Jon Hyatt

About

University of Texas

Christopher Hyatt Obituary

Christopher Jon Hyatt Christopher Jon Hyatt lived an inspiring life that began on April 1, 1967 in Austin and ended on September 24, 2013 in Denver, Colorado when he died peacefully in his sleep. Chris grew up in New Orleans where he played football, basketball, tennis, and golf. The Big Easy is also where Chris developed his appetite for good food, good music and good times. Chris graduated from Taylor High School in Katy, TX and then became the 4th generation of his family to graduate from the University of Texas, earning his BA in English and Economics. After graduation, Chris worked as a research analyst for the Texas Senate. A near fatal diving accident in 1981 confined Chris to a wheelchair, but he continued to pursue life tenaciously until the end. Chris was an accomplished scuba diver and the co-founder and first chapter president of Austin's Eels on Wheels, an adaptive scuba club for the physically challenged. He thrived at being an active member of his community and always pursued a selfless agenda that positively impacted the lives of all those fortunate enough to have known him. Chris was most passionate about his beloved service dog and constant companion, Jay Jay. They appeared together in numerous public service announcements for the Texas Service and Hearing Dog organization and as frequent hosts of local charity functions, including serving as honorary Grand Marshals of the 2008 Mighty Texas Dog Walk. Chris made annual trips to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, rarely missed an Austin City Limit's Music Festival, participated in the annual La Pasadita BBQ Cookoff team and loved to host crawfish boils. Chris loved people and food. He could always be counted on to offer abundant praise to the chef (as well as a few helpful hints on recipe execution.) Chris moved to Denver in 2010 to be closer to Craig Hospital, a world-renowned rehabilitation facility. Chris made good friends wherever he went. His big warm smile and magnetic personality made everyone feel at ease. He is survived by his mother Diane Hyatt, father Phil Hyatt, grandmother Elizabeth Hyatt, sister Hillary Summers, brother Cliff Hyatt, nephews Trent Hyatt, Walker Summers, Owen Summers, niece Lillian Hyatt, aunt Kimberlie Barrett, and uncles Brian Birdwell, Mark Birdwell, Michael Birdwell and Paul Hyatt. Chris's lifelong love of people, music, food and fun will continue with a celebration of his life at the Zilker Park Clubhouse on October 21st from 5 to 8 PM. His friends are invited to join in this remembrance of his life. Laissez les bons temps rouler.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Sep. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Hyatt

22 Entries

LIZ

September 24, 2025

Chris was always smiling and laughing. He was perceptive, kind, and thoughtful. His accident didn´t change him; it only enhanced his best qualities. If I could be the person I would want to meet on my worst day, it would be you, Chris. You were such a good person, and the memory of you lives on in me, with the hope to be like you.

Elizabeth Dawn Miesch

June 2, 2024

Chris Hyatt and I became good friends when we attended school at Karr Junior High. We also both attended Ben Franklin. I was so sad when he moved away, and although we never saw each other again, I never stopped looking for him. Now, I learned, after his passing that we both lived in Austin, Texas at the same time!

Christopher, you used to make me laugh and smile like no one else. You were a bright light in my life. You passed too soon! I am so sorry that we never got to see each other as adults. I know that we would have been able to pick up our conversation where we last left off, like it was moments ago. Your friendship meant a lot to me. I know that you are greatly missed by your friends and family! I hope to see you on the other side! Love you! Liz

Charlie & Ann Brandt

October 28, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris' parents and family. We knew Chris at World Harvest Outreach Church, and so enjoyed his wonderful wit and inspiring good nature! We are grateful to have been at the lovely Memorial gathering. May God strengthen you all. "The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth." Psalm 145:18

Cary Douglas Johnson

October 23, 2013

I had the privilege and good luck to know and have Chris as a friend for the last 24 years. We were next door neighbors in Old Clarksville 1988, then roommates for a couple of years, and then next door neighbors again as I rented the house next door on West 11th Street. Chris had a wonderful family who extended their love and generosity to me on so many different occasions I can't even count them. Thats one of the many, many things that made Chris such a strong great person was the love and support of a wonderful Mother and Father, along with Aunts and Uncles and brother and sister. I will ever be in debt to Chris and his Father who was personally responsible for getting me a job with his Company SunDowner Offshore. Chris was always taking care of his friends and always thinking of others. He had the sharpest quickest sense of humor of anyone I have ever met. Chris made friends where ever he went and could strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere. He was a unique individual with huge heart and quality of empathy that is seldom seen in this day and age.
In my humble opinion Chris Hyatt was a true
Son of the South. He loved Louisiana with all his heart and he loved TeXas just as much if not more. He always Remembered the Alamo.
I loved Chris and my heart broke when Cliffy called and informed me of Chris passing.
My thoughts and prayers geaux out to Chris's folks, Mr And Mrs Hyatt, Cliffy, Mrs Hillary, Aunt Kim, Uncle Brian and Uncle Mark.

October 10, 2013

My deepest sympathy to Hillary, Diane, and Cliff. Sending you all love and prayers.
- Aimee Guillot

Linda Forsyth

October 10, 2013

My sincere condolences to you on the loss of your wonderful son, Chris. I knew Chris when he attended World Harvest Outreach Church in Austin. He was such a bright, fun guy and always had a good story to tell. I remember when he was water baptized in Lake Austin at one of our annual picnics. Our loss is heaven's gain. Praying that the peace and comfort of God will be very real to you at this time.

October 6, 2013

Diane, Cliff, Hillary, and the entire Hyatt family. My deepest sympathy for your loss. I will be forever grateful to have know Chris. He was a dear friend and will be deeply missed. Chris was a truly inspirational - one of a kind character, his smile could lift any spirit, his enthusiasm and zest for life was contagious and once he set his mind to something- watch out- he was unstoppable! I often speak about Chris' accomplishments to my patients as an inspiration to help them see the potential they too have within them- this is the gift of life that Chris will continue to give us all- Ursula

Lynne Ohmstede

October 3, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I always enjoyed seeing and visiting with Chris and Jay Jay at Castle Hill every Thursday. He was an inspiration. Love to you all. Lynne Ohmstede

Stefan Schuster

October 3, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the Hyatt family. Chris is a joy to the world and we shared so many great memories, friends, dogs, and of course food! God bless you all and know that you are in our hearts and prayers.

In sympathy

Carol Eicher

October 2, 2013

Peace to you all

Lainey Fisher

October 2, 2013

I'm so lucky to have known and been around Chris. He was positive, loving and always kind. His ability to make the most out of his life dispite his limitations inspired me and those who knew him. I love you sweet Chris! I imagine you're running and dancing in heaven with all the other beautiful angels!
My love and heart goes out to my other family.

hillary summers

October 2, 2013

hillary summers

October 2, 2013

Chris and Jay-Jay

hillary summers

October 2, 2013

Mark Birdwell

October 2, 2013

Chris was an inspiration to everyone he meet. I will miss him greatly. He was the most Optimistic, and Caring fun guy to be around. I will miss him Greatly.
Uncle Mark

October 1, 2013

To the family, so sorry for your loss. May your precious memories bring you comfort during this difficult time, as well as these words: "he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."

Elizabeth McGuire

October 1, 2013

My most sincere condolences to the Hyatt family for the loss of sweet Chris. I think of him now, free, happy and always with us.

Bryn and Josh Williams

September 30, 2013

Chris was a great guy with the best attitude. I always loved running into him at shows. Cliff, we love you buddy and we are so sorry for your loss. Your deep brotherly bond was obvious to all. Hang in there.

September 29, 2013

My sincere sympathies to the Hyatt family I worked with Phil Hyatt at Nabors for many years. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you.

Iwona Sears (Deer Park, Texas)

Ginny King

September 29, 2013

My love, sympathy and support are extended to you my sweet Diane and your precious family
There are no words that are enough . Chris is an amazing and selfless leader, inspiring creator and handsome man! I appreciate he took away all excuses!!
I am so sad for your loss!
Much love to you all!

Cindy Gibbs

September 29, 2013

My sincere condolences to the Hyatt and Birdwell families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Diving in Cozumel

Ray Mathews

September 29, 2013

My sincere sympathies to the Hyatt family. I worked with Diane Hyatt at the Texas Water Development Board for many years, and she always for there for her son, Chris, and spoke about his activities frequently. I only met him one time, but was impressed with his friendly nature. We were both divers, and we spoke about scuba diving and Eels on Wheels that he co-founded. Many of my diving buddies are active in that wonderful organization that he co-founded, which is a lasting tribute to his legacy.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results