Arthur Alan Gonzales

“It’s not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something.”

-Winston S. Churchill

Heartbroken, we regretfully announce the death of Arthur Alan Gonzales, age 50, of Austin, Texas. Alan passed away on November 12, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones. As the agony of this profound and life altering loss bears down upon the hearts of many, we find solace and grace, and have deep gratitude knowing we are all forever changed… transfigured, eons beyond the better for having had the opportunity, the privilege and the honor to love and be loved by this purposeful, determined and inspirational human being. Thank you, Alan. We are humbled; we are eternally grateful.

Alan was so much to so many: a cherished son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, teammate, coach, employer, co-worker, and fiancé. He was preceded in death by both his paternal and maternal grandparents, his brothers: Jeffrey Leon Gonzales, Richard Anthony “Chief” Gonzales, and Wayne “Coach Gonzo” Gonzales. He is survived by his parents, Robert and Mariana, brother Kevin, niece Trisha, nephews Jeremy, Anthony and Joseph, nieces Alyssa and Lexi, aunts, uncles, cousins too numerous to list and his beloved, Marnie Martinets. To all he leaves behind, we acknowledge and deeply appreciate you.

Alan was born on December 28, 1970 in San Marcos, Texas. He was the youngest of five sons born to Robert and Mariana Gonzales. As a child, Alan was exceptionally insightful, highly intelligent... a deeply sensitive and contemplative soul. He was an avid reader and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge which he cultivated throughout his lifetime. His inner sanctum was balanced by the fun and revelry he experienced playing sports with his brothers and having adventures with his childhood companions... running around the neighborhood in the pure and simple joy of being a kid.

He was raised in Austin, Texas, graduating from McCallum High School, Class of 1989, where he excelled both academically and athletically. In general, his adeptness as an athlete encompassed a plethora of sports, including football, martial arts and tennis, just to name a few. He had a natural gift... a fierce determination to excel in all of his endeavors. Refusing to quit, he transformed his failures into lessons and adapted accordingly. His athletic prowess was expressed primarily through his exceptional and awe-inspiring talent as a baseball player. He was a born leader both on and off the field. After graduation he attended Brookhaven Junior College, where he thoroughly enjoyed his experience playing ball. He also played in the Zaragosa League in Austin, Texas, where he garnered the attention of St. Edward’s University coaching staff, culminating in a full baseball scholarship. While at St. Edward’s, he caught the eye of major league scouts from the Pirates and Mets and was offered opportunities to participate with both teams. Ultimately, he chose to pursue his education, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.

Alan held strong convictions as to his innate value and worth, and as a result he experienced a successful work life. He was the type of man who would create a solution where none had been previously found. Therefore, he excelled as a salesman and innovator in several fields, including IT and medical. He preferred to partner with startups and found it meaningful to participate with a team whose sole objective was to nurture and grow a company from the ground up.

As he moved through this life, he was given ample opportunities to hone his personal gifts and talents... perpetually offering these to the world... either genteel and subtly or unabashedly forthright. He was a paradox; an enigmatic yet transparent man. He had a myriad of interests and hobbies including an unfathomable appreciation of music and art, birdwatching, museums, hiking, photography, stand-up comedy, plants, sports and many, many more. His love of life… outstanding sense of humor, appreciation of laughter, joy and love was unparalleled. Oftentimes it takes the most enlightened, prolific and strongest souls to provide contrast in the world which urges, guides and ultimately forces us to come face to face with our darkest fears and wounding. It is an act of one’s heart... pure unconditional love, his gift to you and for humanity.

“Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower, we will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind.” – William Wordsworth

A visitation for Arthur will be held Monday, November 22, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752. A rosary service will occur Monday, November 22, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Saint Louis King of France Catholic Church, 7601 Burnet Rd., Austin, Texas 78757. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 11:30 AM at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S Interstate 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, Texas 78704.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Gonzales family.