Randall Dean Austin

Randy I thank God for your life. I thank God for your life having touched me in a most meaningful way. The good that you gave and the love you had in your heart for others will live on for ever. I will always remeber you laughter and your intellegence.

When Dr. Austin entered our Teaching American History grant as a professor and presenter in Wichita, the teachers immediately responded to him, as an historian, as a person, and most of all as an engaging personality who created such a spirit of inquiry in the classroom. One wonders in times like these why people who make such a difference in the lives of others must suffer, must face the realization that their legacy is cut short, and must leave us when they have so much to give. I will always remember Dr. Austin and wonder why we couldn't enjoy his wondrous intellect for just a little while longer.

To Randall's family:
Your son was a blessing to those he worked with and those he met. I teach at Friends in Wichita and while he was teaching at Newman we worked together on occasion and I always knew my students would love taking classes with him. His humor, his outrageous way of communicating and involving those in his presence, and his eccentricities as well as his honesty combined to make him a remarkable, never to be forgotten human being. I recall when he told me that he had had cancer and had a recurrence. He said many of his family members had cancer and he knew it would shorten his life, but that was simply one fact of his life, which would merely enhance the time that he had on this earth by making the days shine more brightly. Randall taught us how to approach life--befriending others along the way, being passionate about history, making connections between people and between past and present. I so regret that his life was so short but celebrate how he used it! May you find solace and support from those in your community and in the knowledge that your son was paid in advance with a life that brimmed over with love and fun.

Rest in Sweet Peace, Randall.

Randall was my son's professor at Newman University in Wichita, KS. Dr. Austin made a tremendous impact on a young scholar's life, and still hardly a week or two goes by without a "Randall Story" being shared.

Dear Randall,

I can't tell you how much you have brought meaning to my life. You were a great professor, and I will sorely miss you! I loved how you would teach something about church history and get your LDS History and your other Christian History messed up. I still remember the shock on many student face when you mentioned the "City of Enoch". lol! I loved your witticisms and your constant upbeat attitude. I agree with the Brother from Wichita, you truly are a true representation of Christ on Earth. I'll miss you and can't wait to see you again.
Much love and Devotion,
John Werner
Newman '04

I was shocked to see Bro. Austin's obituary in the Provo newspaper today and saddened that a wonderful man has left us. I served in the Missouri Independence Mission, which took in a great deal of the state of Kansas. I had the privilege of serving in the Harrison Park Ward in Wichita where Randall was a very active member. I remember one night, it happened to be my birthday, and he took us on team-ups to see some people. He found out, in conversation, that it was my birthday and made a special trip to the store for an Apple Pie and Ice Cream---he also bought us dinner at KFC.
I know he is in the sweet presence of Our Father in Heaven and Our Savior Jesus Christ and been freed from the pain of the cancer which he had. I am blessed for having known him. He was an absolute crack up. I remember one other occassion in which Bro. Austin dropped us off at our apartment in Wichita and my companion decided to get into a debate with Bro. Austin about Thermal Energy or something like that. It was hilarious--I sat in the back seat of Bro. Austin's Mitsubishi Lancer and laughed until I cried. God Bless you Brother Austin--Thanks for the memories. Rest In Peace Friend.
With Love:

To My Dear Friend,
It has been a week since you have gone and I am missing you terribly. I am so grateful for having been able to work with you and talk with you. I have never known anyone like you and I don't think I ever will again. You inspired your students and you inspired your colleagues and the world is a much poorer place with you gone. My dearest wish for you, my friend, is that heaven will be a place where your shirt is always tucked in, your clothes fit perfectly, and everything's on sale. I will remember our dinner in New Orleans forever. Goodbye, Randall.