Austin, Donald Lewin

"NIPPER"

Don Austin of Meaford passed away peacefully at Grey Bruce Health Services in Owen Sound on Friday, July 19, 2019 at the age of 86.

Born on December 1, 1932, Don was a son of the late George and Mabel (nee Washford) Austin.

Don was the much loved husband of Fran (nee Harvey) Austin.

He was the proud father of Cindy Austin Goudy (Don Goudy) of Meaford, Duane Austin of Feversham, and Angi Austin (Jimmy Tom) of London.

He was the loving and witty ‘Papa’, ‘Gramps’ and ‘Pipi’ of Crystal (Mark), Chantelle (Eric), Jeremy (Cassie), Lexi, Tanner, Morgan (Kyle), Emma, Ryder, Aja, Zaiah, Nora, and Bo.

Don was the dear brother of Frances Sommer, June White (Gord), Gladys Dobson (late Howard), and Shirley Austin (Dave Nelson). He was predeceased by his brothers George, Bill, Roy, Les and Harold, and his sisters Agnes Fletcher and Gwen Cramp.  Don will be remembered fondly by his brother-in-law Gord Cramp and his sisters-in-law Winnie Austin and Leona Kirkpatrick and by his many nieces, nephews and their families.

Don ‘Nipper’ was a carpenter by day and an entertainer by night. He loved his family and his birds and bunnies too.

A funeral service will be conducted at Knox Presbyterian Church in Meaford on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at 12 noon. Don’s family will receive friends the hour prior to service.  Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Meaford.

As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford and St. Vincent Agricultural Society (cheques only) or the Meaford Hospital Foundation would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON   N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca

Details

Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Visitation: Knox Presbyterian Church 11 a.m. - 12 noon

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 12:00 PM
Service: Knox Presbyterian Church, Meaford

Make a donation in memory of Donald Lewin Austin

Donations: Meaford and St. Vincent Agricultural Society or Meaford Hopsital Foundation
Donate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home


Memories & Messages of condolence

  1. Tom and Verna Wilcox
    Sunday, July 21, 2019

    Sincere condolences

    Reply
  2. Valerie Morrison
    Sunday, July 21, 2019

    So sorry for your loss Cindy… big hugs

    Reply
  3. Vivian Bessel (Austin)
    Sunday, July 21, 2019

    I have many wonderful memories of my uncle Don when I was growing up and I loved it when he used to sing and yodel. I could always count on and looked forward to special memories and wacky stories of his childhood growing up with his 11 siblings at our Family Reunions. Love you uncle Don, you will always be in my heart and may you Rest in Peace.
    “The Song has Ended but the Melody Remains!” Love always, Vivian xoxo

    Reply
  4. Shirley Cook
    Sunday, July 21, 2019

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours Fran as you go through this difficult time .

    Reply
  5. Kim Brodie
    Sunday, July 21, 2019

    I’m so sorry for your loss Don will be remembered with lots of fond memories. Since I was a teenager I worked in a few restaurants in Meaford and I’m sure I served Don in every one of them. I will never forget his spirit he was a great man.

    Reply
  6. Rosalie Murray
    Sunday, July 21, 2019

    My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this very difficult time.

    Reply
  7. Linda Teed
    Sunday, July 21, 2019

    My thoughts are with you Fran and the kids and grandchildren.
    Linda Teed

    Reply
  8. Norma McCauley
    Sunday, July 21, 2019

    Condolences Fran and family, Joe and I enjoyed Nipper’s stories and his jokes very much, We will miss him until we meet again, Hugs
    Norma McCauley and Joe Little

    Reply
  9. Darlene
    Sunday, July 21, 2019

    MRs. Austin (Fran), my condolences to you and your whole family. May your memories help you through this next chapter in your life.
    Sincerely, Darlene Franklin-White

    Reply
  10. Diane and Fred Raper
    Sunday, July 21, 2019

    So very sorry to hear of Dons passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. Happy memories will be be with you forever when you think of Don.

    Reply
  11. Sheryl Breadner
    Monday, July 22, 2019

    Sorry for your loss Fran and family.

    Reply
  12. Andria and Michael Flaherty
    Monday, July 22, 2019

    We are so sorry for your loss. We didn’t get to know Don long but will miss him dearly at the field and at our house for tea and cookies.

    Reply
  13. Marj. Miller
    Monday, July 22, 2019

    So sorry for your loss Fran, he was a great guy, and I’m sure you will have many happy memories, Remember– Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened!

    Reply
    1. James Alexander
      Tuesday, July 23, 2019

      Dear Angi and Family,
      Wishing you peace and comfort. And wishing you the courage to face the days ahead. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Time may pass and fade away, but memories will always stay, I miss you.

      Reply
  14. Bill and Isabelle Ridd
    Monday, July 22, 2019

    Fran and family,
    You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

    Reply
  15. Coreen & Jim
    Monday, July 22, 2019

    Sincere sympathy to the Austin family. He was a very unique man – one of a kind. I hope the angels prepared themselves for Don and that they have a sense of humor. If not they may be in for some interesting times and some surprises. Love Jim & Coreen

    Reply
  16. Harold and Bev
    Monday, July 22, 2019

    Thinking of you and your family at this sad time, Fran

    Reply
  17. Mac and Brenda Harvey
    Monday, July 22, 2019

    Sending our condolences to you Fran and Families…Mac and Brenda Harvey

    Reply
  18. The Gilkinsons
    Monday, July 22, 2019

    We were so sad to hear of Don’s passing.

    He was such a wonderful person who was a welcomed source of entertainment whenever he came to visit us at the store!

    We know firsthand just how much his animals (those in pens as well as those in nature) meant to Nipper as this is what lead us to get to know him so well over the years.

    Please know you are in our thoughts at this difficult time.

    Take care,
    Doug and JoAnn Gilkinson & the staff at Bayshore Country Feeds

    Reply
  19. Bev and Marion Genoe
    Monday, July 22, 2019

    Our condolence to all your family .He was fun to be around.
    Bev and Marion Genoe

    Reply
  20. Joan Cramp
    Monday, July 22, 2019

    Fran sorry to hear of Don’s passing.

    Reply
  21. Edwards Velma
    Monday, July 22, 2019

    Fran I did not know Don, but my condolences goes out to you and your family.
    Take Care of yourself.

    Velma Edwards

    Reply
  22. Stan & Liz Hierons
    Tuesday, July 23, 2019

    So sorry Fran. Don will be missed by so many. We will always remember him as the Pigeon Man of our club. The Owen Sound Meaford Poultry Pigeon and Pet Stock Association. We will miss his stories and humour..
    So will ” Timmy’s” whose shares will certainly take a hit.

    Reply
  23. Merv and Ellie Smith
    Tuesday, July 23, 2019

    So sorry for your loss. Condolences to you Fran and all your family.
    Merv and Ellie Smith

    Reply
  24. Dennis and Joanne Knight
    Wednesday, July 24, 2019

    Fran and all the family,
    Sincere condolences on the loss of such a great guy. We shall cherish the memories.

    Reply
  25. bonnie
    Wednesday, July 24, 2019

    so sorry for your loss fran bonnie and bob ouellette

    Reply
  26. Ron Dobson
    Wednesday, July 24, 2019

    It is with great sadness I write this message. Uncle Donnie will dearly be missed. So Aunt Fran, Cindy, Duane, and Angi please accept are heartfelt condolences and let us be grateful for the memories.
    Our Thoughts are with you.

    Ron, Debbie and the Girls

    Reply
  27. Paul & Sharon Dunn
    Wednesday, July 24, 2019

    Thinking of you Fran and your family at this difficult time. Cherished memories will live on in your hearts.

    Reply
  28. Bonnie Hammond
    Wednesday, July 24, 2019

    Fran – you are in my thoughts & prayers at this difficult time! Enjoy your Memories! Bonnie

    Reply
  29. Vera LLOYD
    Thursday, July 25, 2019

    Ken and I were very saddened to learn that Don had passed away after the funeral was over. Our condolences to Fran and the family.

    Reply
  30. Carl & Mary Adams
    Thursday, July 25, 2019

    Dear Fran & family: So sorry to learn of Don’s passing. He will surely be missed with his great sense of humour and sunny disposition. Our condolences to all of you. Carl & Mary Adams.

    Reply
  31. Tom Carbert
    Sunday, July 28, 2019

    Thinking of all your family at this time. Tom and Lynn

    Reply
  32. Doug & Denyse Ardiel
    Monday, July 29, 2019

    Thinking of you with sympathy, Fran! Sincerely, Doug and Denyse

    Reply

Leave a memory or message of condolence:

Please note: To ensure privacy and respect for the families we serve, your message won't be published until we can review it. We'll do this as soon as possible, but there will be a delay before your message appears. Your name will appear with your message, but we won't publish your email address.

Scroll to top