Henry Rudolph Ochel Jr., age 58, was born on October 6, 1967, in Horseheads, NY, to parents Henry “Hank” R. Ochel of The Bronx, NY, and Joan Hively Ochel of Williamsport, PA. The Ochel family moved from New York and resettled in Dallas in 1973. He attended University Park Elementary, Hyer Elementary, St. Mark’s School, and graduated from Highland Park High School in Dallas in 1986.
Henry took pride in being the oldest of four lively brothers. He was an accomplished athlete in high school, playing multiple sports, and was a letterman in wrestling, baseball and football. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a degree in Psychology. Henry loved spending time with his East Coast family while holding several jobs and internships in New York City, including Owens – Illinois and Goldman Sachs. After a short stint in Russia, he ultimately returned to Austin to work in the hospitality industry. Henry had culinary interests and skills, often lending a hand in the kitchens of many restaurants where he enjoyed learning new things about food and contributing to great meals. He could easily turn humble ingredients into a gourmet feast. He worked at numerous legendary bars and restaurants, including the Crown and Anchor Pub, The Haymaker, The Wheel, El Arroyo, The Peacock, Cisco’s Restaurant and The Golden Horn.
Henry went by many nicknames over the years—Hank, Hen Ben, Henster, Yahoo, and of course, Hot Dog—which reflected his big personality and love of laughter and entertaining people. He had a fondness for imitating zany characters from his family and friend groups, easily capturing their mannerisms and personality quirks. When Henry told a story, he captivated listeners with his humor, details and dramatization of each tale. He was known for zingers and timely quotes from his favorite movies, songs, and his own original quips. He was a friend to all he met, easily finding commonalities and having long, meaningful conversations with everyone from dishwashers to business owners.
Henry loved animals, especially cats, whom he considered the purrfect life companions. He had a love and appreciation of music that began when he was a lead singer in a middle school band and continued throughout his life. He was energized by seeing his favorite classic rock bands such as the Rolling Stones, Steely Dan and the Grateful Dead.
After over 30 years of living in Austin and gathering a loyal following of those who loved the “Hot Dog,” health issues took their toll, and his life ended on April 25 in the city he loved—and that loved him back for so many years.
Henry is survived by his daughter Azalea; brothers Paul (Stephanie), Eric (Edie), and Peter; aunts Annelee (Walter) and Maureen; cousins George, Kevin (Eda), Colin (Suzie), Lee, and Marlene (Edwar); nephews Spencer and Elliot; and niece Audrey.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Southern Smoke Foundation in memory of Henry at: https://southernsmoke.givingpage.org/donation-form
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at The Golden Horn in Austin, Texas, on May 14 from 4–6 p.m. and a memorial service at Dallas Bible Church in Dallas on May 16 at 11 a.m.
