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- Obituary:
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.
(Published in The Austin American-Statesman on September 29, 2013)
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1967 - 2013 (46 years)
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