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Brian Austin Obituary
Obituary
Brian William Austin, blessed the world with his presence Sept. 30, 1979 in Cavalier, ND and passed away peacefully on Friday, May 5, 2006. He was surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born to Radley & Janet Austin of Neche, ND. He attended Neche Public School from Grades 1 - 12. He pursued his higher education at Jamestown College and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Finance. After graduating college, he chose to move to Scottsdale, after falling in love with the area during a visit to his Grandparents home. After he settled in to enjoy the sunshine and the fabulous shopping, he worked at Bank One in Financial Services at the McCormick Ranch location. His creative side soon dictated a career move to the Spa Industry. He first worked at the Vu Salon as an Assistant Manager, and then chose to follow his good friend, Suzanne over to the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon at the Biltmore, where he was quickly promoted to Asst. General Manager. He is survived by Parents, Radley & Janet Austin of Grand Forks, ND, his sister, Nicole Austin, brother-in-law, Bradley Sjoberg of Northfield, Minnesota and Grandparents Garnet & Ann Hosley of Neche, ND. His extended family includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and Friends who will forever miss his brilliant smile, his wicked wit, and his enormous spirit of kindness and love which will linger in our hearts and make us all better people. Services will also be held in Grand Forks, North Dakota at the Calvary Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 13th at 11 a.m. Donations can be made in his name to the Make a Wish Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary.
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Dean Stevens
May 3, 2020
Love you always my buddy
Michele G
May 2, 2020
Brian I think about you often, in fact I still have the picture of us on my dresser mirror. I miss you calling me the crazy customer. RIP I wish you were here to share my excitement that Im moving to California.
Dean Stevens
May 2, 2019
Brian I still miss and love you my friend. Our Hawaii trip and you riding the mopeds still make me laugh. Our days at the bank and how you made us all laugh. God is watching over you and you us on earth.
Still miss you 13 years later.
Love you
Dean Stevens
May 11, 2013
My promise to his family is to always keep his memory alive in my thoughts and prayers. I wrote this in 2006 and I want Brian's Mom, Dad and Sis to know I still think of Brian often especially in May, it still hard to think of him gone, now our threesome with OUR 94 yo MIM GUNKELMAN has come to an end. Ms Mim is with Brian and I am sure they are dancing together in heaven...I still envision Brian riding that moped in Honolulu...Miss you bud !..God Bless..You, My sweet Granny {2008), and Mim are my Angels in Heaven...Love YOU. Dean
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Ramona Henschel
April 29, 2007
It's almost a year now and I'm still thinking about all the memories you gave us. You come up in many conversations between Bill and I. We love you dearly Brian and you'll always be in our hearts. Radley and Janet, thanks for sharing Brian. You'll always be special to us.
Leigh Carter
December 9, 2006
Janet and Radley, Nikki, and family...just wanted you all to know that I've been thinking about you during the holidays. I was just telling funny stories about Brian the other night. Who am I kidding... I tell them all of the time. I think of him often. I know he is with me as well as with so many others. Just wanted you to know that I think of you often and I pray that everyone's prayers of comfort are reaching you. Love you guys.
Michele Giovanniello
September 28, 2006
I think of you, Brian, often, my friend, have a peaceful 1st birthday in heaven. Trudy did a fantastic job putting together a dvd and cd, thank you for those memories.
MIchele G.
Debra Austin-Garrett
September 21, 2006
Thinking of you!
Lloyd & Pat Wilke
July 14, 2006
Our most heartfelt sympathy to you, Radley, Janet & Nikki. We just found out of Brian's death. He was such a friendly, fun loving boy. You have lots of good memories of him. He never let his health get him down--always a big smile. Will talk to you soon.
Kelsey Kopra
July 13, 2006
Radley, Janet and Nikki: I apologize for not writing sooner, but I had no words to express the way I felt. Now, more than two months later, I am finding a voice. I want you to know how much your sweet Brian means to me. He made a lasting impression on me and I will be forever grateful for him blessing me with his presence. It must have been meant to be...we were always mistaken for twins. My fondest memories of Arizona include him- him wearing latex gloves while we did our grocery shopping in WalMart just to freak everyone out, our golf cart rides and Garnet and Ann's place, going out dancing, him giving me a Costco pack of Starburst for Christmas wrapped in construction paper, us finishing eachother's sentences and him asking me that he get the yellow diamond and me the pink one if we ever got married. I truly loved him with all of my heart and hope you know how much you all mean to me because he was a part of you. Brian is the most genuine, kind, loving and beautiful person I have had the honor of meeting and calling a friend. My most sincere condolences to you all.
Michele Giovanniello
July 9, 2006
To Brian's Family: Today July 9th, 2 months later, I learned about Brian's passing. I saw him at Red Door in late March after many times of missing each other's phone calls. He told me he was having health problems again. We made plans to go out the next week, but I was sick and had to cancel. If you only knew how sick I feel right now. Brian was always a joy to be around, full of energy, full of life and never had a bad word to say about anyone. For the past 2 months, I have tried calling him, writing him, and finally for the last 2 weeks I have been going to his condo knocking on his door. This week, I tried calling him again only to find out his cell was disconnected. I have always believed in the "other side" and how much our loved ones communicate to us. Well, he must have seen my frustration and I kept asking God to have someone call me. This evening, Nikki, found my number 2 months after his passing. She did try to call me but couldn't find my number.
Thank you, Brian for helping your sister get my number, even though it is so painful to hear this devastating news. I am so sorry I didn't get to see you one last time. I really loved you even if we didn't get together as often as we should have.
I know Brian will rest peacefully, just know I loved him and proud to have known this wonderful guy. My condolences to all of you.
Michele Giovanniello, The "nutty customer" AZ
Jacob Henschel
May 30, 2006
My most heartfelt condolences go out to the Austin family. Brian led a life that several people could only dream. He never let anything stop him and lived his life to the fullest. We will always remember him for his enormous heart, sincerity, and ability to make everyone smile. He is smiling down on us and will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Beth (Irmen) Oien
May 23, 2006
To Brian's Family, I am deeply saddened by this news. I became friends with Brian at Jamestown College. Brian is who made me decide to be come a nurse. He was the light in everyone's day. He always made everyone smile. I miss his talks and hugs and wathching the Golden Girls together. What a wonderful human spirit he had. He tought us all to be better people.
Keythe Flaagan Family
May 16, 2006
To the Radley,Janet,and Nikki:
Our deepest sympathy go out too you at this time. You need to know that Brain will always be in our heart and in the hearts of all the people he touched. Even in fifth grade I saw an attitude in Brian that not many at that age have. He was so full of life which showed in all he did. It was a privilege and an honor to have had him as a student.
Michelle Hardy
May 15, 2006
Radley,Janet and Nikki,
My deepest sympathy to all of you at this terrible time. I will always remember when I was calling Bingo at Smuggler's and Brian would come to play. He had a smile that would melt the largest glacier. Please find comfort knowing that he suffers no more and that all who surround you pray for you an dknow your pain. With deepest sympathy and God's blessings, Michelle Hardy
Rachel Nybo
May 12, 2006
Brian has been blessing in my life; it has been an honor and a privilage to call him a friend. We haven't kept in touch as much over the last couple of years, but I have many fond memories of Brian that will last a lifetime. Brian was an inspiration to me in many ways. He was always able to see the sunshine through the rain. He had the most positive attitude of anyone I'd met. He had a natural way of making everyone feel included and loved. And his sense of humor could make me laugh even when I was unhappy or mad. He was able to put a smile on my face when nothing else could. I'll miss him greatly.
Maggie (Skovgaard) Standifer
May 11, 2006
Brian had a profound effect on those who knew him, including me. In the nursing profession, I encounter a great deal of death and it's never easy, but Brian will be greatly missed. I haven't kept in touch with Brian over the past few years but I will always remember the long golf cart rides of the streets of Neche, his passion for Bingo and his "blotter", and the many Explorer memories including him winning the emergency obstacle course in Indiana! I have tons of memories of Brian, all of which a great. What a loss for us but also a great privilege to have been part of his life. I extend my sympathy to Radley, Janet, and Nikki. My thoughts are with you.
Pat Rinde
May 11, 2006
Dear Radley, Janet, Nikki, and relatives and friends of Brian,
I had the pleasure of getting to know Brian when he attended Jamestown College. His zest for life was inspiring. There was never a dull moment when Brian was in the career center! Even now, thinking of him brings a smile to my face. I have very fond memories of both Brian and Nikki from their days at JC.
I hope you are finding comfort in your memories of Brian. My thoughts are with you.
Matthew Newman
May 10, 2006
Austin family-My deepest sympathies & prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May God be with you all. Brian was a college buddy of mine in Jamestown. I will remember him most for his smile & ability to make others around him smile. Brian will be missed terribly!
robert,jean and david,daniel,dean blair
May 10, 2006
our deepest sympathy to your family brian always had a smile whenever you would see him.
Ron & Shar Pape
May 10, 2006
May happy memories carry you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family as you celebrate Brian's life.
Shawna Bonaime
May 10, 2006
Oh, wow, what not to say about Brian. He is one of those people that you feel blessed to have known. We grew up in rural North Dakota, a place that neither of us ever really fit in, I remember riding around town for hours on the golf cart talking about where we would end up in life, he was a great listener and incredibly sincere.... He was able to see the bigger picture in life. I am so happy for everything he has accomplished in his life, I am happy to have spent the time I had with him, and know that he has made a difference!
Janet (Olson) Knoll
May 10, 2006
Radley, Janet, and Nikki, my heart goes out to you and all your family on your loss. I remember Brian from when we were all still in school and hanging out at basketball games. He and my sister Bobbi used to just love picking on each other! He always had a great big smile on his face along a quick witted comment to boot!!!
All my love and prayers,
Bobbi Olson
May 10, 2006
My thoughts are with all of you at this time of loss and sorrow. But always remember the great times you had. I loved being around Brian when we were younger at all the North Border basketball games. He was always my partner when it came time to help the cheerleaders with a cheer. That's the way I will always think of him. Cheering with a smile. We are all blessed for having had the pleasure of knowing him.
All my best.
Carmin Sagert
May 10, 2006
I would like to express my greatest sympathy to Radley, Janet, Nikki, family and friends. I am sorry to hear about the loss of Brian. I went to school with him and will always remember him being the fun, up-beat, positive person that he was. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
Margot Kincaid
May 9, 2006
My second cousin, Brian, would light up any occasion with his smile, disarm you with his charisma and leave you laughing for months over the most banal motions we go though in life. His humor and wit were kind; his social skills exceptional. He was the Bob Hope of Niche, Grand Forks, Scottsdale…and apparently even Hawaii!
His mind and soul were exceptional for the world we live in. He found the key to living where others without the weight of all that he faced and fought, have not.
He mastered many talents, including skiing and playing keyboards which endeared him to me.
With deep sympathy for Cousin Radley, Dearest Janet, Nikki, Ann and Garnet, family and friends,
Sue Dearinger
May 9, 2006
Thinking of You in Your Sorrow.
Hope knowing that you're thought of in a kind and loving way, will help to ease your sorrow and bring peace to you today.
Sue Dearinger & Donna Brandt
Heidi Winkler LeGassick
May 9, 2006
My families thoughts and prayers are with you Janet, Radley and Nikki. Brian will always remain young, vibrant and smiling. He always had an energy around him that embraced life and all the happiness it had to offer. God Bless.
Craig and Teresa Rantala
May 9, 2006
Our heartfelt condolences to Janet and Radley and Nikki on the loss of this remarkable and joyous young man. We remember his strength and will, and his happy ability to make us see the fun in life as he did.
Kristy Gill
May 9, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with the Austin family at this terrible time. He was a wonderful person full of energy and compassion. He always had something funny to say and always brought a smile to your face. I am sorry I couldn't be there in person to say my good by's but will miss him terribly and will always remember his wonderful personality and smile. God Bless!
Leigh Carter
May 9, 2006
Brian...I miss you so much already...You are truly an amazing spirit. My one promise is that I will continue to find times in my life where I "do it like Brian did". Brian was my roomate one year in college and he always kept me on my toes. He truly lived each second to the fullest. I"m so thankful that I didn't get any sleep that year, but lived life just like he did with him in the driver's seat. We once got pulled over in downtown Jamestown by a policeman who had to turn his SIRENS on! We couldn't hear him because we were rocking out to Cher!
I will look forward to the day that I get to see you and your smile again. I love you:)
To the Austins: I know you knew this day could come sometime, but when it did it was still such a shock. I am praying for you and your peace. I know Brian is with us all in our hearts right now. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll see you soon. Leigh
Sandy Brenner
May 9, 2006
I want to extend my sympathy to Radley, Janet, and Nikki on the passing away of Brian. He was such a spark and a nut and always made our family laugh. We enjoyed watching Brian grow up and so sorry to watch his illness. He enjoyed life and his friends and he will truly be missed.
My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Diane (Symington) Sommer
May 9, 2006
Radley, Janet, and Nikki,
I am sad to hear about Brian, and have been thinking about you all during this difficult week. I remember Brian when he was younger, how he always dressed nice, and had his hair perfect every day. Now Brian is at peace, and hopefully that gives you some comfort.
Barry Chaffee
May 9, 2006
I would like express my deepest sympathy to Radley, Janet and Nikki. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Brian. I have wonderful memories of Brian and the Austin family. I pray for God's healing grace and comfort at this difficult time.
Sarah (Duncan) Anderson
May 9, 2006
I went to elementary school with Brian. He definitely had the biggest smile and heart - he will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.
Don & Myrna Enge
May 9, 2006
My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
We never seen him without a smile. I got to know him at bingo. It was such a blessing to know him. God Blees you!!!!!!!
Ramona Henschel
May 9, 2006
Brian you were the light of my life in Neche, ND. You taught me so much and shared so many things with us. You touched our lives as no one else had. I will forever keep you in my heart and I'm happy for you now that you will have no pain. Someday we'll meet again and until then I'll give you a wave every time I look up in the sky. Thank-you Austins for giving me the chance to be part of Brian's life. I will treasure it forever. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Bev Klein
May 9, 2006
I went to high school with Brian in Neche and i remember him always being upbeat and funny and always around to make people laugh and smile. I know Brian will always be in everyone's heart that he came in touch with. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Brian Austin.
Scott and Estella Kern
May 9, 2006
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Traci (Czapiewski) Frahm
May 9, 2006
I am very sorry to hear of Brian's passing. I remember Brian as a sweet, polite kid who was always smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this sad time.
Robert Austin
May 9, 2006
Brian was a good kid. Always liked to talk to Brian. Uncle Bob Austin
Kansas City, MO
Lucie (Balek) Piscitelli
May 9, 2006
Extending my deepest sympathy and prayers to Radley, Janet and Nikki.
I recall Brian as a young boy who was always FULL of energy and enjoyed playing with my children. It seemed as if NOTHING could stop him!I am so happy to hear that he did so well in life even for as short as it was.
God Bless you all!!
Maria Elena Coronado
May 8, 2006
My condolences to Brian's family and friends. He was a truly wonder-filled man who loved and lived life fully. He will be missed.
Elaine
May 8, 2006
Brian was the most giving person. And as my nieces said in describing Brian, "he's like walking into sunshine" Our hearts are heavy with sorrow at his passing. Brian, you were loved and you were a blessing to every person you came in contact with.
Dean Stevens
May 8, 2006
I am in Honolulu as I hear about Brians passing. This is where we took a trip and had a great great time ! Brian and I rented mopeds and traveled all over the Island. We also hired a driver for the day and that driver took us to local spots as we circled this small island of Oahu. We stopped at one point to cliff jump. Brian was a little wiery at first , but loved it so much that he ended up going off the cliff twice ! He really loved this place, as usual Brian made friends and spread his cheer people loved him. He taught me alot about how he lived his life . Brian did live life ! I will miss him greatly. We had a special relationship with an elderly friend. All three of us used to go dancing and to dinner with Mim Gunkelmen she is in her 90s (There where no boundries to friendship with Brian). Brian and I spent many outings with her. I had so much fun with Brian when we worked at Bank One on McCormick Ranch. I could go on and on. My promise to his family is to always keep his memory alive in my thoughts and prayers. I am celebrating his life as I type this entry from my hotel room in Honolulu, not far from where Brian and I stayed. Everywhere I look, I see him on that moped ! He is a speed demon ! I miss him already !
Kasi Teeters
May 8, 2006
Brian was the sweetest most positive guy! He brought a smile to my face everytime I would see him! He was a truly amazing person and will be greatly missed!
Jocelyn Bird
May 8, 2006
Never a dull moment with Brian! He always had a smile on his face and just had a way about him to make everyone around him smile. Brian IS a huge inspiration to me, his zest and his love of life make it hard to say goodbye. I consider myself truly blessed to have known him, considered him my friend. I am sorry I cannot be there today to celebrate his life with you-Austin family you are in my thoughts and prayers; I know how hard this is on you. He has touched the lives of many and will never be forgotten!
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