Dave G. Gutierrez

Our beloved Desiderio “Dave” Gutierrez Jr. was born on December 14, 1931 in Bastrop, Texas to Desiderio and Manuela Gutierrez. Surrounded by his family, Dave passed away peacefully and went home to be with our Lord on March 9, 2021.

The Gutierrez family and their nine children moved from Bastrop to Austin in 1948. Dave graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School. At 17 years old, Dave started working at Hamilton Electric Works. After 69 years of service, he retired in 2018. He had a tremendously strong work ethic and was greatly admired by his colleagues. Dave was well known as an Electrical Mechanic and a mentor to many. He acquired his skills through his hard work and hands on education. After his retirement, he continued his strong relationship with his Hamilton family and was always available to provide his expertise.

Dave joined the Texas Army National Guard at the age of 20 and served with the 49th Armored Division. Dave was a kind and generous man who had a big heart for others. He valued the importance of education and was a supporter of The Greater Southwest Optimist Club, contributing to their scholarship fundraising efforts. Dave and his wife Janie were active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Dave’s passion for music and playing the saxophone was the beginning of his life long musical career. Over the years he played both the alto and tenor sax. When he was 17, his older brother John moved out of state and left his alto sax behind. Not knowing how to read music, Dave taught himself to play the saxophone by ear. He met Nash Hernandez, who became one of his mentors and taught him how to read music. In the summer of 1949, he became an official member of the original Nash Hernandez Orchestra. He went on to play with The Dutch Scheel Band, Los Latinos de Fred Salas, and Manuel Donley Y Sus Estrellas. In 1975, Dave formed his own band, Dave Gutierrez Y Su Orquesta, where he continued to play alongside his younger brother, Abel. In the late 70’s he joined the band La Diferencia with Roy and Edward Rositas. He later served as manager and booking agent for Yayo Castillo’s band Rumores. His early influences in the music industry were Beto Villa, Balde Gonzalez, La Orquesta Falcon, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey and others whose horn sections influenced him to become a saxophone player. A lot of people influenced Dave throughout his life, and he in turn influenced others. Many young musicians looked up to him as a father figure. Leonard Davila and Yayo Castillo were two musicians who have always remained special in Dave's life. Leonard and Yayo were very young when Dave first met them, and his relationship with each of these fine men is priceless. Leonard used to call Dave "Godfather" and Dave called him "ahijado" (God-son). Yayo was thankful and respected the music opportunities Dave provided him. With admiration, Yayo began to call him "Papa." Dave was so proud of the successful artists that they have become. His music was a great source of enjoyment for him as it was for his many fans and family. During his career, he was given the nickname “Super Dave” by his fellow musicians. It also became an endearing name within his loving family and circle of friends. His music and name were well known throughout the local and state music communities. He was recognized for his role and contribution to Tejano music. In 2009 the Austin Latino Music Association presented Dave with an Idolos Del Barrios Award. Dave Gutierrez Y Su Orquesta is chronicled in the UCLA Chicano Studies Project.

In 1956, he married Virginia Tamayo, and they welcomed three daughters, Diana, Doris and Elaine. Following Virginia’s death in 1978 his life changed forever. Dave and his girls’ everlasting relationship grew stronger with many happy and beautiful memories.

In 1990, Dave married the second love of his life, Janie. For the next 30 years, they made many wonderful memories traveling and spending time with family and friends. Their love to travel included trips to Las Vegas, Coushatta, and Washington state where they enjoyed gambling at the casinos.

Throughout his life, his immense love for his brothers and sisters and extended family was apparent. He proved this everyday by instilling honesty, trust, integrity, and loyalty within his family. He cherished the traditional family gatherings and annual family reunions.

Dave is preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Tamayo Gutierrez; his parents, Desiderio and Manuela Gutierrez; brothers and sisters-in-law, Guadalupe (Lupita), John (Alvina), Renato, infant brother Desiderio; and grandsons, Taylor and Travis. He is survived by his wife, Janie Gutierrez; his daughters Diana Gutierrez (Curtis Craven), Doris Humphrey (Mark), Elaine Gutierrez (Ted Hazen); grandchildren Sarah Kerper (Zach), Dylan Humphrey, Tyler and Jacob Hazen; Janie’s daughters, Veronica Castillo (Tim McMorris), Yvonne Masters (Ricardo); grandchildren Krista Castillo, Ricardo Masters Jr. (Adriana), Jacquelyn Masters, and great grandson Tobias Masters.

Dave is also survived by his brothers and sisters Alicia Miller, Melita Guajardo, Randy Gutierrez (Grace), Abel Gutierrez (Mary Louise), Mary Cantu (Gilbert), sister-in-law, Beatrice Gutierrez, and many nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and dear friends.

The family would like to thank the doctors and the staff at the Heart Hospital of Austin for the care and compassion given to both Dave and his family. An additional thanks to Dr. David Abrams, Dr. William Rodriguez, Dr. Stephanie Booth and Dr. Anthony Aventa for the years of care they provided.

Dave will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Family and friends will remember him as an honorable man, a leader, a protector, and a hero. He was a man of character and a role model for many. He leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love for everyone he knew… he was our “Super Dave”!

Dave will lay in state on March 15, 2021 from 12:00pm – 8:00pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home at 6100 North Lamar Boulevard for anyone that would like to pay their respects and sign the guest book. Masks are required and gathering inside in large groups will not be allowed.

Church and gravesite services will be private. The Funeral Mass will be live streamed and recorded at https://www.facebook.com/CookWaldenFuneralHome/

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to the Greater Southwest Optimist Club Scholarship Fund or to any charity of your choice.

Greater Southwest Optimist Club

Scholarship Fund

P.O. Box 40746

Austin, Texas 78704

In Memory of Dave Gutierrez