Philip Durst

I still think of some of his jokes. During one class in the law school´s practice courtrooms, you could hear the laughs Phil was getting through the wall into the room next door. One of his co-professors in the adjacent room remarked, "The guy´s a lab puppy; he walks into a room and the whole world loves him."

We fondly remember Phil everytime we walk by his house and see his scooter. He was a great neighbor who made Avenue C a better -- and much funnier -- place to live. He is remembered and missed!

Phil Durst was one of the few Austin attorneys who treated me with kindness and honesty, despite the fact that I was a conservative republican lawyer in a liberal setting. And he was so funny and entertaining and knowledgeable. I'm so sad to hear of his passing. God bless him and his family.

I live right across the street, even so had absolutely NO idea until seven weeks later when my friend the Texas Legislative Council executive director told me, and I was shocked. Phil was the occasional say-hi wave guy across the street, as is Sarah. I did not know of his movie buff-ness that I have myself, but I think that was the subject of the last conversation we had, something I'd seen lately, probably foreign.

Avenue C will never be the same. Phil was a wonderful neighbor who will be deeply missed. Love to his family. -- Alex, Nathan, Hannah and Krista Bangs

Phil was such a good lawyer. He was ruthlessly funny willing and able to use his humor as both a sword and a shield. The Austin Bar lost a great one, someone who was widely loved and respected. Deepest sympathies to his family.

I am so sorry to hear of Phil's untimely passing. He was a great lawyer, human being, and artist. We worked together at the AG's office in the early 80's, and I always appreciated his sense of humor and collegiality. We competed to lure Gwen Shaw as our legal assistant after we all went into private practice, but Phil and his partners must have had better art on their walls; that's all I can figure. My condolences to his family and colleagues. He was one of a kind.

I am so sorry to hear this news and pray his family and friends find comfort in their memories. Several years ago I visited Charleston and saw his work in a gallery. I have been haunted by the fact that I didn't purchase a piece (because I could not remember the name of the Mitchell Fine gallery). Yesterday I returned to Charleston and purchased one of his amazing collages. Then, this morning I read this sad news. Blessings to all who knew him in person...and those of us who share his...

Loved my buddy and fellow Davis Gallery artist, Phil Durst! I always enjoyed his company, marveled at his talent, and treasured his friendship. What a guy! Joseph Hammer