Robert Fyrst

Robert Christopher Fyrst, age 49, of Austin (formerly of Norfolk, VA, Madison, WI and Denver, CO), passed away on February 6, 2018. Robert was born on July 3, 1968 to Robert Donald Briggs and Vernell Bernice Pendleton in Buffalo, NY.

Robert graduated from Norview High School in Norfolk, VA in 1986. He studied political science, history and government at the University of Wisconsin, Texas State University, UT Dallas and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. In the 1990s, Robert served as the statewide office recycling coordinator for the Colorado governor’s office. He later worked for Wisconsin state government agencies and from 2000 to 2006 served as an elected county supervisor for Dane County, WI. Robert taught courses in government and college preparatory skills at Austin Community College, Eastfield College, Richland College, Huston-Tillotson University, Concordia University Texas and Texas State University. He greatly enjoyed teaching, traveling and spending time with loved ones. He was a jolly, loving, loyal academic who hoped to leave the world better for him having been in it. In this, he succeeded.

Robert is survived by his mother, Vernell Briggs of Winter Haven, FL; son, Tyler Fyrst of Austin, TX; sisters, Katrina Briggs and Latricia Briggs of Norfolk, VA; brother Greg (Jeanette) Briggs of Tampa, FL; and aunts Bernice Graze and Estelle Samuels. He is further survived by a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and his father, Robert Briggs.

A memorial service will be held at All Faiths North Funeral Home, | 8507 North Interstate 35 Frontage Rd., | North Austin, TX 78753 on Saturday, March 3, 2018 from 1 pm until 3 pm, with a memorial service at 2 pm.