In Loving Memory of Charles Gentry

The ZACH family has suffered a heartbreaking loss with the passing of longtime Board Director and Ambassador Extraordinaire, Charles Gentry. Charles unexpectedly became extremely ill early Thursday morning and passed away on Friday, January 20.

Charles first joined the ZACH Board in 2000 but his relationship with the theatre extends decades. Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley notes, “Charles was already a ZACH subscriber when I arrived 20 years ago to take this position. He was one of the first persons, along with his good friend John Whisenhunt, to welcome me into this family with a warm friendship that endured. His unflagging positive spirit and rock steady support of my work have been a continuum of my entire life at ZACH.” Charles could be found at every opening night, gala event, and ZACH party and often made his travel plans around his ZACH itinerary - his beaming face reflecting the joy and passion he felt for our theatre.

Charles was a passionate connector of people and loved nothing more than introducing his myriad of friends all over Austin to ZACH. He routinely attended productions multiple times, bringing groups of friends with him to share in the theatre that he loved so much, and making friends of all the artists who work on our stage. Charles also served on the Membership Committee helping recruit new Board Directors. He was instrumental in the formation and support of the “Great Scotts” who are patrons that support the theatre with annual gifts of $1,200 or more. Charles was especially passionate about the new Topfer Theatre, now under construction, which is slated to open in September 2012. In fact, Charles’ last generosity to ZACH was a campaign gift that will name the West Stage Door in his honor, surely now to be known as the “Gentry Entry” as he quipped to us.

A public memorial service for Charles will be held at 11AM on Saturday February 25^th in the Kleberg Theatre where he will be celebrated and remembered for his country boy’s soul and city gentleman’s style. It was Charles’ wish that he be remembered with a gift to ZACH, so in accordance with his wishes, this page has been set up to accept gifts in Charles’ honor.

Click on any of the images below to view a larger photo:

Above is a memorial photo gallery created by ZACH family and friends to help remember Charles' time and tremendous impact at the theatre. To submit your images of Charles, please email Rachel Jacobson at rjacobson@zachtheatre.org.

You can also visit the Facebook group created by Charles' friends and family to post more photos and share your memories by clicking here.

Please contact Rachel Jacobson by email or at 512-476-0594 x234 for questions about contributing to ZACH in memory of Charles Gentry.