Obituary of Darrel John Austin

May 25, 1951 - Calgary, Alberta

December 8, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

 

Darrel John Austin, beloved husband of the late Barbara (Barb) Austin, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the age of 72 years.

 

Darrel (Dad) was born in Calgary, AB, on May 25, 1951. Dad had many careers throughout his life, from driving a gravel truck to working as a malt worker at Canada Malting. Dad accomplished much throughout his life and finding his soulmate in Barb and raising their girls were top of the list. He was so proud to watch his girls grow up and then get married; he loved every minute of being Umpa to his grandchildren.

 

Dad was a quiet, loving, and gentle man. He was a man of few words, but his love spoke through the quiet. He loved taking his girls camping, watching the birds, the seasons changing, the world going by, and a good thunderstorm. He made meaningful long-term friendships with all who entered his life.

 

Dad will be most remembered for loving people with his whole heart. We will love and miss you always.

 

Pre-deceased by his wife Barb, Dad is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Amanda (Tj) Daling of Airdrie, AB; Brandy (Jon) Austin, of Lloydminster, AB; Lisa (Steve) Lysak of Rocky View, AB; Kacy (Jeremy) Roberge and family of Calgary, AB; and Kelly (Matt) Austin-Lang and family of High River, AB; as well as his grandchildren, Lacy Austin, Faith Austin-Scott, Jacob Lysak, Kayla Daling, Samuel Lysak, Corwin Daling, and Hermionie Daling.

 

Dad is also survived by his brother Frank, and sister Terrie (Ken). He will be missed by his beloved cats and babies, Forrest and Jenny; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Dad was predeceased by his mother Annie E. Austin (nee Smith), father Robert J. Austin, and brothers Garry and Dennis.

 

 

He Only Takes the Best

 

God saw that he was getting tired,

A cure was not to be.

So He put His arms around him and whispered,

“Come with me.”

With tearful eyes, we watched him suffer,

And saw him fade away.

Although we loved him dearly,

We could not make him stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

Hard working hands to rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us,

He only takes “the best”.

 

 

To honour his memory, a private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers or donations, as per Darrel’s request, please consider donating to the Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB  T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca. 

 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Darrel’s family here.

 

In living memory of Darrel Austin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.