Charles “David” Aguar

Charles “David” Aguar passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 while doing what he loved in his work as a cinematographer for Turner Studios, in a place he loved, the Appalachian Mountains.

David was born on Christmas Eve, 1950, in Johnson City, Tennessee, and moved with his family to Athens, GA in 1970. He was, above all things, a great father, a loving friend, and devoted son and brother. He was known for his endless curiosity, adventurous spirit, love of life, and ceaseless dedication to everything he did. His dream was to make the world a better place by documenting environmental causes and community service issues. He was recognized for his work by two Emmy awards and was recently nominated for a third for his work on TBS “Storyline” Pathfinders program.

David was preceded in death by his father, Charles E. Aguar, who was also known for his great community service. David is survived by his sons Kiley and Nathan Aguar; his mother, Berdeana Aguar; his sister, Catherine Aguar Payne; his brothers Richard, Daniel, and Kenneth Aguar; his nephews, Matthew and Forrest Aguar; his niece Tessa Aguar; and his fiancée, Dana Swalla.

The service commemorating his life was open to the public and over 250 people attended. It was held on Sunday, November 5, in the ENSAT Interpretive Center at the Sandy Creek Nature Center, located at 205 Old Commerce Rd, Athens, GA with Reverend Glenn Doaks officiating. 

The family requests that any donations made in David’s memory are made to the Sandy Creek Nature Center, or the North Oconee River Greenway, both of which they have supported over the years. 

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Biography

After 22 years as a Director of Photography, David developed his photography skills in a variety of styles, from low and high tech, large productions and in-the-field location shoots. David had a creative eye for determining exactly what technique of shooting, lighting, and directing is best for each particular project.

David was drawn to photography from the age of 5 when his father bought him his first camera. He started shooting 8 millimeter at age 13 and by 16 was directing and shooting multi media stage light shows. For fifteen years, David owned his own production company in his home town of Athens, Georgia, allowing him to take on many roles as Director, Producer, Editor, and, his true passion, Director of Photography. David started out working on music projects for groups like REM and Wide Spread Panic. He worked on many Turner Network projects before coming on board full time with Turner Studios’ Film and Video Unit in 1996.

David enjoyed being involved in all phases of the production process. He worked on several long format and documentary projects where he was consulted throughout pre-production for his directing expertise. David excelled in visual effects projects and appreciated the cutting edge technology, collaboration and discovery that goes into shooting and directing them. David commented; “It’s exciting for me to be in such an ever changing, always learning profession. At the Film and Video Unit, we keep ourselves in the forefront of Digital Cinematography investing in both the latest camera equipment and training. I think this is a great asset for Turner Studios and our clients. The technology is always improving and it is great to be a part of a company that allows its people to stay at the top of their field.”

Charles David Aguar’s character reflected the influence of his Father, Charles Aguar. Charlie’s “credo for living was always carried in his billfold:

That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by a perfect poem or a rescued soul;
Who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it;
Who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

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