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BORN
1963
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Christopher Gawlik Obituary
Chris was born in Omaha, Nebraska on March 23, 1963. Chris grew up in Universal City, TX and graduated from Samuel Clemens High School in 1981. Under the Friday night lights, Chris played football and his love for the rival high school cheerleader, Dana Keller grew. The two dated and married shortly after. Chris graduated from Texas A&M Engineering Extension School in San Antonio then started a job at Beckman instruments. While working full-time, he completed his bachelor's degree at Wayland Baptist University. He then pursued his childhood dream of becoming a pilot in the United States Air Force. His first flying assignment was the T-38 as an instructor pilot at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX . Chris then became a F-16 viper pilot for the 523rd fighter squadron at Cannon AFB, Clovis, NM. Upon completion of this assignment, he resumed teaching as a reservist instructor pilot for the 435th fighter training squadron in San Antonio, TX at Randolph AFB. At this time, he settled his family into life in New Braunfels, Tx where he began flying with Southwest Airlines. During the 16 years he flew for Southwest, he managed to brighten and bring laughter to people all over the country. Chris had a magnetic personality and never knew a stranger. To Chris, everyone was a "brother." Chris described his family as his greatest blessing of all. In his last days, his greatest comforts came from hugs from one of his four ladies and his amazing faith in God. Chris, you da man!
To honor his undeniable zest for life, a memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 21st at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels, TX. A visitation with the family will be held from 4-6 P.M. with a celebration of Chris's life to follow at 6pm. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 22 at 1 P.M. at St. Peter and Paul with a reception to follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be sent to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org). Purple4Chris
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Gawlik
Tom Vaughn
May 22, 2016
Chris...my Southwest brother. You were the class clown, always brought levity and humor to any situation. Great pilot, great person! Your August 2000 SWA classmates miss you. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
John Phalon
May 5, 2016
The Lik of Gaw is a great guy. From T-38s to SWA, I always had a great time when I ran into him. He "taught" all my kids to ride a bike with his fine invention, and his passing reminds us all to keep the gems (the men and women in our lives who really make a positive difference) close. My sincere prayers go out to his entire family.
David Martin
April 28, 2016
My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the Gawlik family. I played football and attended classes with him in high school. I will always remember Chris as a fierce competitor and genuinely loving person. Peace to all that knew and loved him.
Robin Thompson
April 26, 2016
Dana, the Beautiful Gawlik girls, and all my cuz' Gawlik family....there are simply no words to express the feeling I have. I/We have so many awesome memories of Chris. It hurts deeply to know that he's gone. Someone so, so full of life, to have it shortened is aching to think about. However, to realize how Chris tackled this awful monstrous illness with such determined fight, is no surprise to his inspirational character. My prayers are with you Dana and family, and my cousins. That's what I can offer at this time. The journey ahead is a personal one, of which I offer my prayers. I love you guys...Chris... We'll certainly miss you and a huge void will definitely be present. God be with you.
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David Salisbury
April 25, 2016
God speed Gadget. I was very sorry to recently hear of your passing. I very much enjoyed flying and hanging out with you at Cannon. I taught my kids to ride their bikes with your invention. Thank you for all the light and joy you spread when you were with us.
Dave Lewis
April 24, 2016
My deepest sympathies to Dana and the entire Gawlik family. Chris, or "Gadget" worked for me at Cannon and I loved his energy and sheer brilliance. The world is a better and happier place for all the people he touched. I ran across him standing at the gate in Lubbock a few years ago - he hadn't changed one bit. Gone too soon. A toast from "Lewdog"
Miriam Knotts Ward
April 22, 2016
I have known Chris since the first grade and even though we did not stay in touch after high school, I have always considered him my friend.If you grew up in the "hood" of Rose Garden Elementary, you are friends for life. My prayers and condolences to all of his family.
Charlie and Laura Heath
April 22, 2016
Charlie and I will miss you very much, friend. Hugs and prayers to your precious family ...we all feel like we know them from the loving way you spoke of them. God bless you and your family. Love, the Heaths
Cajun Schavrien
April 22, 2016
Gadget, Rest in Peace.
Susan Healey SWA FA
April 22, 2016
Peace, love, hugs and prayers to Chris' family and friends. He always, always had a smile and was a ray of sunshine! Commuting and flying with him was an honor. Soar high with the angels my friend.
Chris Sandoval
April 22, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Gawlik family. Chris will always remain in my memories as a kind and helpful friend.
Laura Garcia Vasquez
April 21, 2016
Dearest Dana & family, our deepest condolences to you all. We are so sadden by your loss. May your memories be a treasure you always cherish. Your in our thoughts & prayers.
Doyle Williamson
April 21, 2016
The Gawlik family will be in the Williamson family's prayers. Chris was a great person. The world will miss his bright personality. I have so many fond memories of Chris from the short time I knew him. It's been a pleasure to know Chris, his parents and his brothers and sisters. Peace be with you all.
Susan Mcclusky-Cogburn
April 21, 2016
My deepest heart felt condolences to you Dana and your daughters.
Paula Baker. (SWA Flight Attendant)
April 21, 2016
Chris was an absolute pleasure to work with. Not only did he always keep us laughing, he made us feel safe. He "took care" of his coworkers, always. My heart breaks for his family because they must be lost without him. My sincere condolences to you all. I do, however, have no doubts that all who knew and loved Chris, have a new angel watching over us. Chris, you will be so very dearly missed.
Carla Sanders
April 21, 2016
My condolences to Dana & the Gawlik family. Chris was a great guy & will be missed.
Ann Christenson
April 21, 2016
My condolences to you, Dana and your family. May God surround you all with his light during this trying time. Our prayers are with you.
K. Tucker
April 21, 2016
Much love to the Gawlik family. Chris will always be one of my favorite people at SWA. An amazing pilot with the perpetual smile and laugh. Miss you Chris.
Mary Schmidt-HOU FA
April 21, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gawlik family during this difficult time. I am so fortunate to have flown with Chris, he was such a wonderful person and his sense of humor could get you through the roughest day. Heaven has gained a new angel, I hope they appreciate his sense of humor as much as we did. God bless.
Diane & Bill Gribble
April 21, 2016
May God Bless you, Dana, and your family during this time. Chris was special and wonderful...fun-loving! He will always live in our hearts and memories. Our prayers are with you. Love, Diane & Bill Gribble & Family
Robert Lehnhoff
April 21, 2016
So sorry for the Gawlik family and friends loss. Chris will always be remembered with that awesome smile and positive attitude. God Bless!
Michelle Parsons
April 21, 2016
My condolences to the family. He was a kind man and he will be missed. The Lord has another angel that will love to fly.
Mona Caillouet
April 21, 2016
What a great person, he made everyone he flew with feel like we were best friends. Just a nice guy and fun to fly with and always remembered the flight attendants safety. Rest in peace and prayers to his family.
Russell Garcia
April 21, 2016
Faith and family. May The Lord bless Chris and his family.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Dana Smith
April 20, 2016
Our condolences to you Dana and the entire
Gawlik family. May Peace be with you. His
SWA family will never forget him! Prayers and
hugs to all of you.
Sharon Boyer
April 20, 2016
Will miss your smile, praying for your beautiful family. You will be missed!! We started SWA the same time, loved your funny stories while commuting to Hou. Rest inPeace friend.
B.A. Bridel
April 20, 2016
The aviation world, Southwest Airlines,UPT Class 91-07 and myself lost a great friend in Chris Gawlik . Nobody could brighten up a room or tell a story like Gawlik. So long my friend Rest In Peace Love you Man Dana the Bridel's are praying for you and your family
Ben Rutter
April 20, 2016
Always enjoyed flying with you brother. Even the long drives back to San Antonio from Houston commuting were full of laughter. Thanks for brightening my life and many other lives. You touched so many. Gonna miss hearing you da man! Rest in peace brother. Prayers to the Gawlik family.
Brenda Ball Perry
April 19, 2016
My heart and prayers go out to the Gawlik family. Peace be with you.
Lynnie Gustafson
April 19, 2016
I apologize that I did not reread my comments where I referred to CHRIS as "Steve" . My APOLOGIES to the family and all his friends. The rest of it I standby, how much Chris meant
To me and every Southwest family member that he encountered. Truly a gentle, kind soul. Chris will be missed forever... But his memory for all of us will remain a part of our dreams and our lives and our jobs here at Southwest❤. Again I apologize for using the name Steve instead of the wonderful Captain Chris that we all know and love❤
Humbly Lynnie Gustafson OAK FA
Daniel Millman
April 19, 2016
Chris, it seems just like just yesterday you were talking that sky cop out of giving you a speeding ticket. The poor kid probably wrote himself up after you were done making him laugh! I'm gonna miss you, brother!
Dave Huffman
April 19, 2016
While I am sad for Chris' family and friends loss, I rejoice that he is now pain free and receiving his just reward. The obituary captured Chris perfectly. A large personality, with a confidence that belied his average frame. In Chris' mind, he was 6'5", 250 lbs. I met him in first grade, and though we didn't stay in touch, I am not surprised to see that he achieved so much, and that he was such a great family man. His family was always important to him, even as a kid. Chris is gone, but he is impossible to forget.
Swami Swaminathan
April 19, 2016
Chris was like a brother to all he touched. He kept a positive attitude in spite of his illness, always joking and smiling. As a pilot he probably knew well that our "attitude determines our altitude." He was an inspiration to all of us. We will miss him dearly. May you all find some solace and comfort at this very difficult time in the wonderful memories of the times you shared with him.
-- Swami
Norma Salazar Tamez
April 19, 2016
So sorry to hear Chris has passed. He is at rest now and free of pain. May his family find comfort and blessings during this difficult time.
Pam Sinclair
April 19, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of Chris's passing. May you all find comfort in the beautiful memories you have of him.
April 19, 2016
I met Steve about 15 years ago at Southwest, and knew immediately what a great and awesome man/friend he was.,, That only nice but genuinely one of the greatest pilots I've ever met. My heart breaks for your family Chris, both of your families. You will definitely be missed here at Southwest Airlines. Thank you for making my experience with Southwest the best that it could be by meeting YOULynnie Gustafson OAK FA Alameda, Ca
Diane Syvertson Tennison
April 19, 2016
My most sincere condolences to Chris's family and friends. May you feel at peace knowing that he is no longer suffering but is blossoming in the arms of our Lord and Savior. I will always remember Chris's beautiful smile and happy demeanor. He will be greatly missed... <3 <3
Kara Covey
April 19, 2016
So sorry to hear of Chris' passing. He was such a great guy and I have many memories of him throughout high school RIP Chris and prayers to his family.
John Judy
April 19, 2016
R.I.P. Chris. Chris was a very cool guy. Always very nice to everyone and had an infectious smile. Prayers to the Gawlik family in this time of loss. May God Bless you all.
Beverly Keller
April 19, 2016
God speed Chris. Prayers for the Gawlik family.
Bill Elmer
April 19, 2016
Chris could make even the grind of commuting to Chicago seem like fun. He will be missed.
Donna Campano
April 19, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the whole Gawlik family. Chris was a wonderful man and will be missed. i will keep your whole family in my prayers.
Ben & Susan Davis
April 18, 2016
Rest in peace Chris.
deb jones
April 18, 2016
My condolences to the Gawlik Family. I'm so sorry I didn't have the chance to fly with your Angel. What a loss. You hear so many good things about this sweet man. My prayers and hugs to you all! whitney- PHX, FA
Sharon McCarver
April 18, 2016
Thankful for God allowing us to know such a wonderful man. We will miss such a bright spot in our SWA family.
Cheryl Anderson/Hamm
April 18, 2016
Our condolences to you Dana, and your whole family. He was such a sweet and kind person with such a great sense of humor- May God bless you and hold you tight through this. He is with our Lord and Savior now and in no more pain.
Thomas and Cheryl Moy
April 18, 2016
Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted. Sending prayers, peace, and comfort as God blesses the broken hearted.
Craig Campbell
April 18, 2016
I am deeply saddened to hear of my friend's passing as nobody could bring such happiness to a moment as Chris. Although the years were few that we were together, he made a lasting impact on my memories and life. My condolences to Dana and the girls and I know his spirit will live through you. RIP Brother.....
Catherine Addivinola
April 18, 2016
Rest in Peace Chris, I'm sorry I did not have the pleasure to fly with you. My Prayers are with your family and friends. Catherine BWI FA
Steve Fuller
April 18, 2016
Chris was the most positive guy that I have ever met, even during the most difficult times (Pilot Training Class 91-07). My thoughts are with Dana and the girls. Miss your smile Buddy.
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