Donald Edmunds Austin, 85, a resident of Clear Lake, passed away Friday, November 29, 2013.
Don was born on the family farm in Clear Lake on March 15, 1928 to Addison and Viva Austin.
He was married to Barbara Medford on May 22, 1949.
Upon graduating from Sedro-Woolley high school he joined the army and was in occupation forces in Zama, Japan where he played alto sax in a jazz band for the officers club and the Armed Forces radio.
Don and Barbara purchased the Austin Dairy Farm and ran the dairy for 13 years; he subsequently became part owner in a concrete redi-mix company for a few years. After that, he worked in quality control for a pre-stress concrete company working on the Kingdome.
After a serious injury Don retired on the family farm where he enjoyed gardening, bee keeping, volunteering as a commissioner on the local drainage district, and visits by his two grandsons. Don was known for his skills remodeling homes and helped friends, family, and his daughters with many projects.
Don is survived by his wife, Barbara Austin; daughter, Pamela Austin; grandsons, Eric and Alexander David; a sister, Marguerite Pitman and brother, Addison Austin. His daughter, Dawnetta Austin preceded him in death.
Barb-
I first met Don when you lived in the cottage at Creekside- could he grow ” anything “- what a green thumb gift!
Then you moved away & then you moved back to Skagit Valley Retirement Village. Don was always nice to me & I am sorry for your loss.
Sincerely- Joanie Nagatani