Dr. James Austin Delahunt

DELAHUNT, James Austin – died peacefully in Halifax at Camp Hill Memorial Veteran's Hospital on January 13, 2015. He was 92.

Austin was born in Moncton, NB on March 27, 1922. He was the fifth child of seven born to the late William Patrick Delahunt and Sally Agnes (Donovan) Delahunt.

Like so many young men at the time, Austin enlisted in the war effort before his eighteenth birthday. He joined the RCAF, trained as a pilot and taught others to fly. In May, 1943 he was sent overseas, where he joined the 48th RAF Squadron, based on Gibraltar. Austin first flew Hudson bombers, carrying rockets and depth charges as he patrolled the coasts and carried out rescue work in his area. In May 1944 the Squadron flew back to England and switched to Dakotas to carry paratroopers and gliders to the continent. So many pilots lost their lives during those dangerous missions; his family is so grateful that he survived.

When he was discharged in 1945, Austin became the first in his family to attend university: he studied first at St. F.X., and was then accepted into medical school at Dalhousie. Austin was a family physician in Halifax for over forty years, and was very proud to have had the honour of delivering multiple generations of babies during that time.

When his brother asked him to be best man at his wedding, he had no idea how it would change his life. He was smitten with the maid of honour, the bride's sister. Kay made him work really hard for it, but he eventually won her over, and they were happily married for over 60 years when she died in 2011.

He was a longtime member of the Halifax Curling Club and Ashburn Golf Club. He made many friends throughout his life, and could never leave the house without meeting someone who knew him, even well into retirement.

Austin Delahunt was a kind and gentle man, with a wonderful sense of humour. He leaves a long list of people from all walks of life who valued Austin's friendship, and who consider themselves fortunate to have known him. He will be missed by all.

Sadly, Austin was affected by Alzheimer's late in his life, but thanks to his son Paul's daily assistance he was able to stay happily in his home until only four years ago. His son David was a constant presence in Austin's life right up until his last breath, and his daily visits enriched Dad's life immensely.

Austin leaves behind his sons Paul and David (Nancy), of Halifax, and his daughter Susan (Paul Wigginton) of Calgary, as well as his two Delahunt grandchildren, Jane (Halifax) and Kevin (St. John's), his two Wigginton grandchildren, Marc (Stellarton) and Michael (Toronto), and three sisters: Rita Murphy (Quispamsis), Ann Provost (Toronto), and Sr. Maureen Delahunt (Maryland), as well as many dearly loved nieces and nephews. Austin was also predeceased by his parents, his sisters Mary Pauline and Sr. Florence Delahunt, and his only brother, Edwin.

Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15th. Austin's funeral mass will be held at Canadian Martyrs Parish on Friday, January 16th at 11:00 a.m., with reception to follow.

In accordance with Austin's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of NS, or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Veterans Memorial Hospital (6 EAST) for their constant attention and care over the past few years.