Haskell "Herk" Wotkyns

"Herk"

September 14, 1939 to September 25, 2011

Herk passed away peacefully at home after a courageous 7-year battle with melanoma. He was born in Hollywood, California, to Helen Beaudine and Haskell "Inky" Wotkyns, the second of their 4 children. Both parents preceded him in death as did his nephew and God Son, Kevin Haskell Wotkyns.

After leaving southern California he spent his young years in Tulsa and Oklahoma City and ended his schooling in Houston. He joined the Air Force in 1957 for 3-1/2 years until he enrolled at the University of Houston's School of Architecture. He pledged Sigma Chi fraternity and was a Life Loyal Sig.

He had his own Residential Design firm for 20 years in Houston before moving to Austin in 1982 to become a full-time custom homebuilder. From 1985 through 1987, he was President of the Lakeway Chapter, TXCABA, as well as an active member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin for almost 30 years. He was designated a Graduate Master Builder in 2009 by the NAHB. He also was active and presided over the Board of the Hurst Creek M.U.D. from its beginning in 1988 until last year.

He is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 47 years, Christine Sorgi, as well as all three siblings: sister Julie Frank of Albuquerque, NM, sister Jill Gutbier and her husband, Klaus of Grapevine, TX, brother Webb Wotkyns and his wife Donna of Houston, TX. and sister-in-law Cynthia Wotkyns Sartwelle and nieces and nephews - Robin Ramirez Chavez, Robert Ramirez, Randy Ramirez, Wendy Ramirez Attal, Frances Ramirez Gort, Heather Ramirez, Lindy Frank Byrn, Allison Frank, Luke Frank, Eric Frank, and Garrett Webster Wotkyns and their 19 children.

Herk was blessed to have been in the care of Thomas Tucker, MD in Austin and both Nicholas Papadopoulos, MD and Ganesh Rao, MD, among a cast of hundreds at MD Anderson in Houston. Their care, knowledge and concern was invaluable for the 5 additional years that their expertise afforded him.

While flowers were one of Herk's favorite things, your contribution made to the wonderful people at Heart to Heart Hospice, 4029 S. Capital of TX Hwy, Suite 120, Austin, Texas 78704, or to the Austin Animal Center, 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, Texas 78703, would be appreciated.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, October 15th, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, Texas 78734.