Daniel Edward Gay

Daniel Edward Gay, 95, Austin, TX, beloved husband and father, passed peacefully on August 29, 2008. Born June 20, 1913, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to John and Augustina Gay, Dan was a first generation Slovak American. In 1931, he graduated from Boys Technology and Trade HS and started his working life selling newspapers for a nickel on street corners during The Great Depression. On November 11, 1939, then Armistice Day and a day off from work, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Hawkins (Betty). Dan worked for Cudahy Meat Packing and, during World War II, for Cudahy Fuel. Then, Dan met a man who would change his life and teach him the roller skating business. In 1948, Dan realized his dream of entrepreneurship and moved his family to Temple, Texas where he and his father built, owned and operated Gay's Skateland, a family roller skating rink. In 1953, Dan decided to move to Austin and build the Capitol Roll Arena (Brentwood and Lamar). Dan had a tremendous positive effect on all his "family" at the rink. After selling the rink, he and Betty owned residential rental property and Dan also worked at the Internal Revenue Service. Dan loved their "get away from it all" home in Mena, Arkansas where he and Betty spent many happy years. Daniel and Betty have been members of St. John's United Methodist Church for over fifty years. Daniel was devoted to his faith and church, serving as a board member, usher, choir member, and always available for "we need…call Dan" moments. He and Betty served many hours at the Faith Food Pantry. Dan also read and mentored students at Barrington and Davis Elementary schools. Dan loved vegetable gardening, traveling, football, his German Shepherds, stamp collecting and most of all, being with Betty and his family. He loved people and always helped them in any way he could. He was always telling jokes and being silly and that is what everyone around him loved the most about him. Dan is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Betty; son Robert and wife Cindy; daughter Susan and husband Charles; daughter Nancy and husband Libor; grandchildren Brian and wife April, Kathryn and husband Enrique, Anna and Helena; great-grandchildren Michael, Chris, Ki-Ke, Madison, Margaret and Ava; and nephews Charles and Edward. Daniel is predeceased by his parents, his sister, Irene, and great granddaughter, Mikaela. Memorial service will be Sunday, September 7, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2140 Allandale Rd., Austin, TX 78756. Daniel's family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Maldonado and Lisa, Bill at Capital Otolaryngology, John and staff of The Renaissance, Chris and staff of Gracy Woods, II, and the staff of Lighthouse Hospice. In lieu of flowers, send memorials to the charity of your choice. Daniel was a man of great faith, hard working, and spent his life helping others. He had a love of humor and relied on his unfailing optimism to get through life's trials. One of his favorite lines came when anyone would ask him, "What's new?" Even at the end, the answer was always the same, "Oh, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire...."