William J. "Bill" Austin

10/01/1956 -

03/23/2021

Bill was born to Darrell and Ann Austin in Salem, Oregon. He attended grade school in Brooks and graduated from Gervais High School, Class of '74. He completed his bachelor degree at Southern Oregon University; his masters degree at Eastern Washington University; and his doctorate at Northern Arizona University. He worked many years for the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Flagstaff, AZ. He then went to work for the National Parks Service in Ft. Collins, Co. as a biologist specializing in endangered species. He was an esteemed champion of conservation and the environment. He was a major player in getting the California Condor reintroduced and repopulated in the wild. His passions included film noir, playing music, and flyfishing.

He is predeceased by his father, Darrell Austin. He is survived by his mother, Ann Austin, and sister, Michele (Shelley) Gardner, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues. Donations can be made in his memory to the Grand Canyon Conservancy at www.grandcanyon.org or to the Redwood National Park, Attn: Condor Restoration, 1111 Second St, Crescent City, CA 95531 for further work reestablishing the California Condor back to native lands. No services will be held at this time.

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Published by Coloradoan from Apr. 7 to Apr. 11, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for William Austin

Sponsored by Resthaven Funeral Home.

10 Entries

Paul and Elaine

April 1, 2025

We miss Bill every day. His humor, wrath of government stupidity, and wondered how he would have liked the Dylan movie!

Our best to his mom and sister and the rest of the family!

Debbie Samples

April 19, 2021

Shelley, I am so sad for you!! You have had so much loss. My prayers are for you and your Mom for peace with all of this. I am so sorry.

Elaine

April 13, 2021

To Bills family and friends: my husband Paul and myself are so very sorry and saddened by Bill’s passing. We have known him for almost 30 years. He was smart, funny, had his lovable quirks, and was one of the most passionate and dedicated advocates for at-risk species. Bill was instrumental in the restoration of condors in the southwest and most recently worked on the team to restore condors at Redwoods NP. He worked tirelessly on southwestern native fish at Grand Canyon NP as well as sentry milk vetch, Mexican spotted owls and more. He supported parks across the nation by ensuring that from wolves to grizzlies to white bark pine and Shaus swallowtails- biologists and managers had the most accurate science and policies to protect, conserve and restore these species.
Aside from being one of the most dedicated federal employees, there was nothing he loved more than fly fishing. He could tell stories for hours about his favorite spots and his catches. All catch and release of course because as he said “I certainly don’t like to eat them!” .

The FWS and the NPS family, friends and immediate family- have all lost a true kind and gentle soul. And the critters of the world and their habitat have lost a real caregiver.

Sally Wells

April 12, 2021

He loved his family. He was smart and full of witty comments. Lots of great trivia pursuit games ...he knew so much about such an array of topics

LESLEY

April 12, 2021

My memories of working with Bill are of someone who truly cared about conservation. His work with plants, insects, mammals and condors was driven by his mind as well as his heart. His legacy is documented in his work to protect and conserve our fellow travelers on this world. He will be missed.

Susan Rutman

April 11, 2021

I'm so sorry Bill is gone. I remember meeting him when he was young, just after grad school. I was so impressed with him that I worked to get him hired at Fish & Wildlife. He was a smart and funny guy who really cared about conservation.
Sue Rutman

Fred & Sheryl Vrba

April 11, 2021

My wife and I are in shock and in tears this morning as we read in our local newspaper about Bill's passing. I got acquainted with Bill years ago at NAU basketball games and we became very good friends. Since moving to Colo. Bill and I talked on the phone for an hour or so every couple of weeks. I started to worry when he didn't return my calls the past couple of weeks, but I can't believe that the worst has happened. If there is any chance that a member of the family would feel up to calling me, I would really appreciate it. I could tell you some stories and it would make me feel a bit better. [ (928) 266-0846 ] My (our) deepest condolences to the Austin family and everyone who knew Bill. We are so sad.

Dennis Stone

April 11, 2021

Bill was one of the nicest guys that I ever met! Rest in Peace my friend!

Judith Foster

Planted Trees

Mary Richardson

April 9, 2021

My sincere condolences to Bill's family and colleagues at the National Park Service. I worked with Bill for many years at FWS in Arizona, and have missed his friendship, candor, brilliance, and calm, thoughtful presence in our office since he joined the NPS many years ago. Bill gifted us a lasting conservation legacy through his work in northern Arizona, and with the Mount Graham Red Squirrel and California condor.

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