WATERVILLE – Richard F. Austin, 83, died peacefully Friday, May 22, 2009, at Lakewood Manor, Waterville. Richard was born May 9, 1926, in Haverhill, Mass., the son of Charles and Mabel (Elms) Austin. He was an excellent basketball player, playing center for Haverhill High School’s state championship winning team. After graduating from high school, Dick enlisted in the Navy for the duration of World War II, spending a year in Guam in the Pacific Theatre. Richard often thanked his father, Charlie, who had not attended high school, for insisting that he take advantage of the GI Bill and attend college. Dick was famous for his friendly nature. He was always open and warm toward people, and loved to gently tease and joke. At Northeastern University he was the only player on the basketball team willing to share a room with the team’s only black player when the team traveled on the road. After graduating from Northeastern, he taught at Cony High School for a year before settling in Pittsfield, with his former wife, Evelyn Springer. Dick had a 20-year career at First National Bank of Pittsfield, then for four years was the hospital administrator at Sebasticook Valley Hospital, Pittsfield. He returned to school in his 50s and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Maine, Orono, then stayed on to teach at the school of business there. He described this time as the high point of his working career. He loved his students, especially the athletes, and would organize golf tournaments for them. During his retirement, he enjoyed volunteering his time helping the high school golf team in Pittsfield, combining two of his lifelong passions, golf and working with young people. Richard is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. David Austin and Carol Godfrey of Waterville; sister, Jane Mills of Thornton, N.H.; grandsons, Arlen Austin of New York City and Robert Austin of Chester, Conn.; six nieces and nephews and their families; and longtime caregiver and friend, Rhonda Hayes. A memorial celebration will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Johnson W. Parks Golf Course, Pittsfield. Richard’s ashes will be buried at a later date at Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill, Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or to any charity in support of children. Arrangements are by Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Oakland.
RICHARD F. AUSTIN
