Chaim Gardstein

Chaim Gardstein, 72, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Houston, Texas. Chaim was born on May 9, 1951, in Petah Tikva, Israel, to the late Shemu’el and Hasia Gardstein. Chaim graduated from Echad HaAm High School in 1969. He served as a tank commander in the IDF in the Yom Kippur War. He moved to Houston in the early 80’s to attend college at the University of Houston, where he received a degree in mechanical engineering. During his time as a student at U of H, Chaim started investing using a technical analysis trading system he devised. After graduation, he continued investing as a full-time job. Chaim married Karen Woodyard in 1995, and in November 1997 their son, Nathan Samuel, was born. Although an engineer by education, Chaim was also very artistic. He applied his attention to precision and his design sense to oversee the building of two houses, one in Israel and one in Bellaire. Chaim was known for his sense of humor and was totally irreverent if it meant he could crack a joke and get a laugh. His favorite television show was Seinfeld, and he knew and quoted every episode. He also loved the music of Leonard Cohen and the score from Les Misérables. Chaim planned and hoped to spend more time in Israel in his later life. After moving to Houston in the 80’s and eventually becoming a U.S. citizen, he never lost touch with his strong roots of family and friends in Israel. He maintained a close circle of friends there, some of whom he had known since kindergarten. In February 2021, Chaim was diagnosed with ALS. The family would like to acknowledge the support of Methodist Hospital ALS Clinic, Silverado Hospice, Homewell Care Services, and the many family and friends who provided their help, encouragement, and love through the difficult ALS journey. Chaim is survived by his wife and son and by his brother, Zalman Gadish, and sister, Gila Fire, and their children and grandchildren. The family requests that donations be made to the ALS Association, www.ALS.org. A graveside service was held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 10:00 am at Emanu El Memorial Park.. To view a recording of the service, please visit https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxMjM0MDU2ODMwMzQzNyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== Below is a note to Chaim, written by his brother, Zami Gadish, and read during the service: Chaim my love, my little brother. I remember our mother going to the hospital to give birth to you on the third Independence Day of the State of Israel. You joined a small family, for our parents left their families in Europe and immigrated to Israel to establish a state a few years before the outbreak of World War II. The accompanying holocaust destroyed their families and left our parents, like many others, alone in the world. Because of this, we were a source of great love from our parents, and you, being youngest child, were a source of love for my sister and me. You were a smiling and beautiful baby and grew up to be cute, a kind boy full of humor, and smart. You gathered many friends around you. Already in your childhood, you knew how to set goals and knew how to manage your life. Later in your life, you were able to fulfill yourself both in engineering studies and in the job you chose. Chaim, your ability to face reality has been manifested in the last three years. You didn't hesitate and knew how to study and courageously follow the course of your illness. You established a consolidated family with Keren and Nathan. I saw you follow with pride and satisfaction, Natan's development as a toddler, as a child, and as a young man. Chaim my brother. I will remember you in my heart forever. Yours, Zami

Chaim Gardstein

May 9, 1951 - April 3, 2024