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Willie Austin Obituary
Willie Austin was born in West Memphis, Arkansas. He came to the Pacific Northwest in 1980 to play football at the University of Washington, and eventually became the World Drug Free Powerlifting Champion. The true impact of his life, however, came after his days as a professional athlete. In 1994, Willie founded the Austin Foundation, an organization dedicated to the well-being of our community through health and fitness programming for youth in King County. Over the next two decades, Willie became a passionate advocate for health, an inspirational mentor to area youth, and a community leader. He will be remembered for his perpetual positivity, willingness to give of himself however he was called, and ability to inspire and empower youth to achieve their fullest potential. Willie is survived by his wife, Vanisha, and their soon-to-be-born first child.
The funeral service will be held Sat. 4/27 at 11:00 am at the The Church By The Side of the Road (3455 South 148th St., Tukwila). There will be a celebration of Willie's life held at 2:00 pm at the Rainier Community Center (4600 38th Ave S, Seattle). To find our more and to make donations to continue Willie's cause please visit www.youthandfitness.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willie Austin
Sponsored by LOVE YOU SO MUCH WILLIE, God Bless You and Your Family.
Suzette Washington
March 21, 2024
Suzette Washington
March 21, 2024
Suzette Washington
March 21, 2024
Suzette Washington
March 21, 2024
Suzette Washington
March 21, 2024
Willie Austin was my classmates since we were 4th graders. We played basketball and ran track together. If I'm no mistaken we may have gone to the cotton field together a few times. We were only kids we did more playing that chopping, probably had to be sent to the truck a time or two. I love you Willie Austin my childhood friend. R.I.P and in love . I've never forgotten you. OH YEÀH here are some our original classmates 44th year reunion.
Joe Onorati
December 29, 2022
Joe Onorati
December 29, 2022
Joe Onorati
December 29, 2022
Joe Onorati
December 29, 2022
Joe Onorati
December 29, 2022
Rest in peace powerlifter.
M. Jammal
May 27, 2021
I have many great memories of you and the Gym of Seattle powerlifting team and staff, there was always so much love, laughter, and a focus on elevating ourselves physically and mentally. I'm so blessed to have had you in my life. I've been thinking about you lately and looking to reach out, I'm sorry I missed you. You made the world a better place and your legacy of love, positivity, enlightening and elevating those around you will live on through everyone you've touched and so forth. You always led by example and you are in every way a Hero. Thank you for making us better. God bless you and your family always.
Ahkeenu Musa
April 19, 2021
I miss you Willie one love.
Carol Ann Hiller
April 19, 2021
I was thinking of you lately. I'm sorry you have left this plain but happy that you don't have to be here for the pandemic. You are so kind it would have left you with a heavy heart and mind. We're all coping in our own ways. Some better than others. I believe that a new world order will arise from the chaos.
We've seen cleaner air, listened to lies and decided that we deserve better.
The bandaid of bigotry has been ripped off. Accountability is the new rule. It's a start.
I miss your spirit Willie and your integrity.
I know that having you in my life has made me a better person.
crystal hale
March 31, 2015
I love u and miss u uncle will
Carol Ann Hiller
March 9, 2015
Dear Willie, I think of you often. Every time I start to pass a homeless person, I think of your words. "What if they're an Angel?" And I smile and go back to the person to give them money or food or sometimes just a kind word. Thank you Willie for opening up my heart to unconditional Love.
Kevin Roberson
March 5, 2015
Always took the time to listen to people, I gained so many intangibles from paying close attention to him. He brought me toward the best me, still aspiring to be like him.
May 23, 2014
I met Will the first day I joined Gateway Athletic Club downtown. Will always had a smile and and upbeat attitude, even when I knew he was stressed about things at the Club. I never heard him utter a mean word about anyone. He was the last actual coach I have seen at a gym--how things used to be before they became do-it-yourself facilities (ala Home Depot). I remember all the kids he brought in to get training. He saw his place or "calling" as working with youth, even as a young man. I lost track of him over the past few years and just learned of his death from a former Pacific Power Lifter. Shock and sadness is what I am feeling. RIP my friend.
Kevin King King
April 27, 2014
I am what he sharpened me to be. Will often said "where ya been!?" I MISS HIM LIKE YESTADAY....
Patrixk Starks
March 15, 2014
WilIel; you were my coach, my trainer, my mentor, and most of all my friend. Your impact on my life in the gym and out will never be forgotten. You are deeply loved and will be deeply missed. In Christs love, Patrick William Starks
Mykael Rodarte
August 23, 2013
WIllie Austin was a great man. I learned so much from him while I volunteered with the Austin Foundation at Garfield Community Center. Rest In Peace
Michael Lujan
June 5, 2013
Willie austin, ever since the days of garfield high school and those stress buster work outs ive always looked up to you my dad and kirk, i was tought good things being around you guys about life truly blessed to of had you in my life growing up. rest in paradise
Richard Mezoff
May 30, 2013
I was one of the literally thousands who was blessed to have the opportunity to have Willie Austin touch my life. I knew him through powerlifting, but I was also privileged to see at least some of the other parts of him, the kind and giving man who devoted his life to helping others, particularly children. God bless you Willie for all you have been and done. I will not say Rest in Peace, for I know you well enough to know that your soul and spirit is still busy helping others in that special place where you are now. If I am fortunate enough to make it up to where you are, will you wrap my knees one more time for old times' sake? God bless you my wonderful friend. Richard Mezoff
Carolann Hiller
May 18, 2013
Willie is one of a kind..courageous, generous, strong both physically and spiritual. Willie's transition will leave a huge void on earth, but fill a a need as an angel in heaven..rest in peace my friend. Vanisha..Willie will always be with you...much Love and Prayers
Robert Simpson
May 17, 2013
Its hard to believe that it has been twelve years since we first met at Seattle Urban Academy even then you didn't treat me as a kid. Every struggle I came across you push me to keep going always pushing for that last rep. I use your wisdom and faith to better myself as an adult. We have had many memories. I also have had the opportunity to met a lot of people through you. I can't thank you enough for the impact you have had on my life. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Ken Meaney
May 16, 2013
Willie Austin taught me things about fitness and life I will never forget. God bless you Willie, Rest in peace.
Mayumi Tsutakawa
May 15, 2013
Willie, like so many others, I was fortunate to have crossed paths with you at the Gateway Gym. Your positive spirit and encouragement for all people to work out was such a good force for me. You are larger than life and I know you are helping all those you are with now.
James
May 13, 2013
I met Willie in the late 80's early 90's at the Gym of Seattle and followed him to Gateway. Worked out with the Pacific Powerlifters and learned so much from a great person and man. Things he taught me I carried with me when I went back in the military and when I opened my own gym. He was a great teacher and didn't cut me any slack when it came to personal performance and mental toughness. Again I carried this over to my clients in my own gym (Silverback Fitness). It has been a sad day when I found out that my favorite mentor was gone. I will continue what you taught me and pass on everything I learned from you. I will run my business in your honor and never forget you. You will alway have a place on my wall in my gym and a pace in my mind and my heart. RIP BROTHER
Tasha Austin
May 6, 2013
"Missing You" !!!!!
Cynthia Alina
April 29, 2013
A very heartbreaking news to hear of your passing. They were better years when I last saw you working at the Gateway Athletic Club with my sister Flo and Andrew. It was a lot of pain, sweat and tears but the rewards were great. And how can I forget that tea you made the week before my competition. LOL The true engergy drink before there ever were any. The taste could be worked on, but that was some kinda tea! LOL I will always remember those years at the Gateway as the best part of my life. You have the heart of gold, Willie, and God has called His angel back to Him, but we will miss you always.
God bless you and your family always. Be at peace!
Gilmore Reboton
April 29, 2013
Willie, thank you for enriching my life with your vast knowledge of powerlifting, wisdom of life, becoming my mentor, sense of humor and most of all, your friendship. I thank Chapman, my uncle, for bringing us all together. Through the Now Is gym, I became a state champion. You spotted me many times both at the gym and at my meets, healing me through my injuries and giving words of wisdom and encouragement. I will miss coming in before my workouts for your pep talks and our bs sessions with the regular guys, like Chapman, Marco, Tevin, Doc, Ramon and others. The gym has become my second home.
You always found time for me and others despite your busy schedule. For that, I am eternally grateful.Almost every time I speak of you now, I can't help but cry. I miss you tremendously.
RIP, Willie...
Elizabeth Crouch
April 28, 2013
I am stunned that we have lost Willie .. to you, his family and dear friends, who shared his tenderness and commitment with us, thank you! Willie had a deep impact on me even though I got to share very little time with him. In those brief moments, he revealed a love and joy that was pure and so sincere! He is cherished.
Alan Jacobs
April 28, 2013
RIP!! My very good friend I will cherish all the great times at the gyms and power lifting events you helped me a lot. You will be missed every day! God bless your family and may he watch over them and keep them safe! Love you my Guru bro
Dave Matthews
April 28, 2013
Wille and I played on the Huskies together.....we were both way down on the depth chart, so we got to know each other back in 1980-1981. This is really sad.....RIP fellow Husky.
Coach Ronn Jackson
April 28, 2013
I am deeply saddened by the lost of an amazing mentor. I remember meeting Willie Austin my senior year in high school (1985) when he was a personal trainer at the downtown YMCA in Seattle. I never forget how he introduced himself to me with that warm genuine grin and that firm handshake that showed me he was a caring individual. Willie was the first person to ever show me how to properly lift weights and better myself on and off the football field. I will always appreciate Willie for taking the time to encourage our youth to be the best that they can be regardless of circumstances. His humbling personality and passionate attitude was infectious and I am sure every youth and adult that has ever come in contact with Willie, will always be grateful for the amazing impact he has had on our lives.
God Bless you Willie and your family...
Beaunica Austin
April 28, 2013
Uncle Willie I miss you so much you were a great man, A husband,a father,a brother, a friend and a uncle I wish you were here so we can celebrate the baby I can't stop the tears from running down my face because someone so sweet as you then left I hope Vanisha and the baby ok.
Jake Platt
April 27, 2013
I am so saddened by losing such an amazing leader in our community. I always looked up to you Willie from the first time I met you at the Gym of Seattle. You are an inspiration and your life's work will go on. Thank you for being genuine and kind. You will be missed! RIP my friend!
tish reynaud
April 27, 2013
Vanisha- I am so truly blessed to know both you and Willie. I have been touched by the both of you. Know that I will continue to do my part as a volunteer to keep his legacy alive. I am here if you need anything
tish reynaud
April 27, 2013
Vanisha know that we are standing beside you and Corey and the baby. As a volunteer I have been so blessed to know both you and willie. you both have touchey lives and i will continue to do my part as a volunteer at the foundation to help keep hos legacy alive. We all as a community Love you
Linda Gromko
April 27, 2013
Like so many others who met Willie through Gateway, I feel so grateful to have known him and to have witnessed the deep respect and love he showed to all of us. What a joyful force he was and is in so many lives! We knew he was an angel. To Vanisha, Willie clearly chose you as the love of his life. He chose you for a thousand perfect reasons to bear and raise his beautiful baby. Strength and love will find you, just as Willie found you.
Les Anderson
April 27, 2013
Willie truly personified what it meant to be a great person. His friendship, mentoring, thoughtfulness, caring, understanding, and many, many more attributes are what I will always remember. I am happy and truly honored to be able to have called him a friend and teacher, and can only hope to have learned all the many lessons he shared with those around him. I guess it is true what they say, "Only the good die young". He will be missed by many and loved by many more, I know I am sad to see him depart, but am glad I got to know him. God rest your soul "Willie", I'm sure god has other important duties for you to attend to.
Judi Hastings
April 27, 2013
So very very sorry for your loss Nishu. I know your whole family griefs with you. May your upcoming child bring you comfort and joy, a part of Willie lives on in you and all he has touched with his kindness. God bless you and family and keep you healing daily.
Rob and Diane McCallum/Tebelius
April 27, 2013
We first met Willie at the Gateway fitness faciilty. He was a remarkable person and a mentor to many. He will be missed by all of us who he inspired from a health and spiritual standpoint. Rest in Peace - Willie.
Tina Pappas
April 27, 2013
Many of us have heavy hearts this week. It has been a shocking and sad time. I was blessed to have been a small part of Willie's dream for the Foundation building he opened in Seattle. I was instantly drawn to his passion to help others. I loved watching his interaction with the kids at the gym -he taught kids how to be strong on the inside as well as the outside. He was the ultimate mentor. A pure soul that was appreciative for everything around him. I will never forget a moment we shared when my mom had recently passed away. He felt my pain and shared his similar experience with the death of his mom. He told me that he could feel and smell his mom through meditation. He assured me that she was with me and now that message assures me that he is with his family even though his presence will be greatly missed. You made a difference Willie.
JAY HANDLEY
April 27, 2013
R.I.P. SWEET ANGEL. YOU WERE ONE OF THE KINDEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER KNOWN. I WILL MISS U WILLIE WILL. SAVE ME A SET UP THERE.
Willie Austin helping the Katrina Bikes Partnership
Beryl Fernandes
April 27, 2013
I knew Willie and Vanisha as a volunteer leader with the Austin Foundation's youth and fitness program. Hugely impressive human being. The attached photo was taken when Willie and his young people used their weight lifting skills to load several hundred bicycles onto trucks headed for Katrina Hurricane evacuees in Louisiana through Seattle's community-based Katrina Bikes Partnership project. Dear Vanisha, I'll be here for you in whatever capacity you need. Love and Hugs, Beryl
Reema Rafii
April 27, 2013
Such sad news. I've had the opportunity to meet and work with Willie a couple of times and was so surprised and saddened to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to his family - Willie's legacy lives on in his work and his Foundation. Rest in peace Willie. Your presence will be missed.
your spiritual brother always and forever
Ahkeenu Musa
April 27, 2013
The Deeepest & heart without walls this Brotha will always be in my heart of hearts we shared great Knowledge & Wisdom. Willie be at one with the universe.
Janine Chin
April 27, 2013
I am shocked and saddened to learn of the loss of this great and gentle man. Although I didn't see him often since meeting him in the 80's at the West Seattle fitness club, he never ceased to amaze me with all he was doing for friends and the community. His tireless efforts attest to his giving nature, he was a light in this dark world. Thanks for all the training and life lessons Willie, RIP ~ you will be sorely missed.
Mikaela Tantico-Chapman
April 26, 2013
You will forever be in our hearts. You were a great god father to me and a great friend to my dad. We will make sure your legacy never dies you were such an inspiration.
Therese Curry -Jensen
April 26, 2013
I was saddened to hear that our community lost a much loved a dedicated man and supporter of our youth. Peace
Kyana (Tantico-Chapman) Moimoi
April 26, 2013
My dad and Uncle Willie have been inseparable since before I was born. Uncle Willie was more than just a mentor & fitness instructor, he was like a father figure to my sisters & I throughout life and life is unimaginable without him here and I know there are many more who can agree. This is a huge loss to a huge community and we can only get through this together as Uncle Willie would want us too. My heart is heavy for his wife and family. If I could see him one last time and say goodbye, I would assure him that his legacy will live on forever through all of the community that he helped put together & keep together. Uncle Willie was definitely one of a kind and as hard as it is to say goodbye, I know that his heart and soul was too pure & kind for this world. May God bless us all through this hard time. We love you forever and always Uncle Willie, you will be missed so dearly.
Kristina Hard
April 26, 2013
Rest Easy Willie. I will always remember your big smile and positive outlook on life. Prayers to your wife and family.
cornell stewart
April 26, 2013
he was the man the mythe and the legend he changed many lives and will never be forgotten
April 26, 2013
Willie, your male siblings always followed me but when it came to you I followed you uncle sam R.I.P
T
April 26, 2013
(RIP) TRACY COOK (COUSIN)
Darrell Hubbard Jr
April 26, 2013
I remember meeting Wille at Gateway on Sundays as participant for the Youth and Fitness program from 1998-2000. In my final year, after a bad technique on squats, he loaned me his "headmaster" device designed to get my knee stronger. Thanks to his generosity, I was able to make the last half of lacrosse season my senior year. But he will be remembered for more than that. What he did during those years made me think about working with kids, and while I'm still trying to figure out what I can offer, I know that Willie offered himself and resources necessary for kids to succeed. He will be missed but his legacy will continue.
April 26, 2013
Willie (sugar man) You were so sweet when growing up so we all called you sugar man.The last time I saw you at your aunt funeral you talked about the avenue she laid for the family ,but i'm here to say you not only laye an avenue but you paved an expressway, for the world sammie and i always admired you love you aunt brenda cook (R I P )
Mark Bryant
April 26, 2013
Dear Willie, I will miss you a lot. You are a great person and have much love for everyone. You have inspired me in many ways. I will never forget you. You will always live on in my heart. My God bless your family and all your love ones too.
Katrina Riippa
April 26, 2013
My husband is a PE and Health teacher who "walks the talk"... He is dedicated to his own health through nutrition and exercise and encourages it daily with his students.When he learned of Mr. Austin's death on Wednesday night. He was so sad. He said, "Really, I owe everything I've become to Willie." Mr. Austin was clearly very influential and his death is a huge loss to our community.
Yolanda Zaragoza
April 26, 2013
My dearest Vanisha, you were blessed to have had this oh so special person in your life. We could go on and on with supurb words of greatness that identifies towards Willie's character, but you lived it and you already know. We are all crushed to lose this magnificent man. His smile, laughter and seriousness will be missed as he continued to embark in the seriousness of taking care of our bodies no matter how old we are. I speak for all members of Willie's exercise group from the West Seattle High Point Neighborhood House. Just remember that it takes a long time to get used to the loss of someone we love. But it is important to remember that when people die, they leave something very special behind... They leave us memories of many things they said and did. And as long as we have those memories, the people we love will live on in our hearts and minds. May the Lord guide you and bring you peace as you venture through your great loss.
keyry mendez
April 26, 2013
Dear Willie I will miss you so much not only me, but my whole family. I couldn't believe that you where gone when I got the news, you were a great man and me and my family had the great honor to meet you and be part of the Austin foundation for a while. We meet you and vanisha in 2003 and that made a big change in our family. The Mendez family will definitely miss you and our prayers are with your lovely wife Vanisha and with all those who knew you. Vanisha may god give you all the strength and blessing for you and your baby.RIP WILLIE...you may be gone but you will never be forgotten.
Kathy Grill
April 26, 2013
Thank you Willie for all the time you spent with the Special Olympics Athletes your smile and your kind words of encouragement will be missed by all those special lives that you have touched.
Michelle Sherman
April 26, 2013
It was in 1994 while studying scripture together that I finally understood the sacred beauty of seeking truth, love and light through Willie's dedication and example. May those who feel the sadness of his lose know he continues to shine his light and love upon us by having brought forward the goodness in each and every person whose life he touched. Gonna miss waiting to catch a word and a smile.
April 25, 2013
Willie was the kindest man I ever did meet. His ability to make everyone feel so special and loved was done effortlessly. I will miss you Willie and thank you for inspiring me not only with my fitness goals but my life goals. Vanisha, please take care of yourself and that precious bundle of joy. You are and will remain blessed.
Keith Binkley
April 25, 2013
Willie was and will continue to be a huge source of inspiration. Our paths crossed when he was at Gateway. He saw inside me, realized my potential, and activated a part of me that was asleep. He was instrumental in my personal growth. Such a great great man and gift to us all. He will be sorely missed.
Bonnie Glenn
April 25, 2013
To a dear friend who touched my life and so many others. Willie had a light around him and brought encouragement, inspiration and love to those around him. There is a saying that says those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves... This truly described Willie's spirit and inner light. He loved our youth and community. May God watch over Vanisha and their family during this time. We were blessed to have known you. Your spirit continues to live on in the many lives you touched.
Kanani Parish
April 25, 2013
I can't believe this. I won't see you at Seattle Urban Academy anymore. From the moment we met we had that instant connection, I remember asking you if you were from the South because of your accent. When you told me Memphis I grabbed your hand and pushed you and said "I knew I liked you for a reason" you lived hours away from my hometown, Holly Springs, Mississippi. We had summer plans which will no longer happen, but... I wish they could, I really am -- was very fond of you. I know you're resting in peace, and I am praying for your family. You will definitely be missed sorely. There is no way a man who did so much for our community wouldn't be. Rest on...
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