Albert Dagar

Albert Dagar spent much of his life at the helm of Dagar’s Catering, a company founded by his father in 1952. Albert often joked about what St. Peter would say when he arrived at Heaven’s gate: “Don’t worry. The caterer is here.” The caterer arrived in Paradise when Albert John Dagar, 64, of Austin, Texas, passed away at his home with his family by his side on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. He was born July 3, 1947, in Austin to the late Fred and Rosalie Dagar.

Albert is survived by his wife of 38 years, Donna Gail, son, Fred Albert Dagar and his wife, Janalyn, and their child, Briella, daughter, Kathryn Jean Dagar-Albarado and her husband, Frank Albarado, son, John Daniel Dagar, and son, Raymond Lance Dagar, sister, Esther Joucken, and her husband, Richard Joucken, brother, Jimmy Dagar, and his wife, Kat, plus numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and a dog, named Brisket.

A third-generation Austinite, Albert graduated from Austin High School where he was known to be quite the character and a bit of a trouble maker. Once Albert and his friend Joe let a play fight get a little out of hand. The result: a water fountain pulled out of the wall, water everywhere and phone calls to both of the boy’s parents.

Albert graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Pharmacy and from Texas State University (formerly known at Southwest Texas State) with a degree in education. He worked as a pharmacist at MD Pharmacy and V&L Pharmacy. Even once he took over the reins at Dagar’s Catering, Albert worked relief shifts at the pharmacy because it remained a passion. He also passed on his knowledge to others by teaching health classes at Reagan High School. A master diver, Albert also taught scuba diving lessons. That’s how he earned the money to pay for the family swimming pool.

Albert was a lifelong member of St. Elias Orthodox Church where he eventually served on the church council. As an Eagle Scout, Albert followed the scout laws of loyalty, bravery and trustworthiness. He made life a game with great purpose and brought his friendly smile and big hugs wherever he went. He never changed his values when a circumstance changed. Albert’s hobbies also included: fishing, hunting, telling good jokes and ridiculous stories and gun collecting. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed life.

Albert was all about family and brought his children into the family catering business. He taught his children to remain loyal to family not out of obligation but out of love. He kept the business in the family by working side-by-side with his daughter, Kathryn, and preparing her to eventually take the reins.

Through it all, Albert was lucky to have his soul mate Donna at his side. He always called her his lover and was known to refer to her as “Ruby” for no real reason. The two met at Common’s Hall on the then Southwest Texas State campus.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening, on Sunday, the 27th of May 2012, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. The Trisagion Service will begin at six o’clock.

The funeral service will be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 28th of May 2012, at St. Elias Orthodox Church, 408 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas with The Very Reverend David G. Barr presiding. Albert will be laid to rest at Cook-Walden Memorial Hill Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas.

A reception following the interment will be held at Plantation House, 3603 Kelly Lane, Pflugerville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, the Dagar family request memorials may be made in Albert’s name to St. Elias Orthodox Church, 408 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 for new bells. The bells will help St. Elias celebrate the faith Albert held so dear and true to his heart.

Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.