Austin Simpson

DILLON - Austin "Pookie" Simpson, 23, of Dillon died near there on June 4, 2006.

Austin was born Aug. 19, 1982, in Bozeman. He lived in Billings before moving to Peck, Idaho, in 1988, where he attended grade school and then high school in Orofino, Idaho. He lived there until 2004, when he returned to Montana to build log homes with his dad. He was employed at Summit Log Products, where he manufactured log home kits and log siding at the time of death.

Austin made friends wherever he went. He always had a smile on his face and a good thing to say about everyone he met and was known to befriend the down and out. His favorite pastime was playing with his many critters. His home was filled with everything from spiders to lizards, birds, cats, frogs and fish.

He loved the outdoors and was an avid rock hound. He was pretty good on a snowboard too.

Austin is survived by his mom and dad, Peggy and Gary Butler of Dillon; father, Charles Simpson (Leslie) of Wilsall; three sisters and a brother, Chase Simpson (Rainy) of Lewiston, Idaho, Abby Simpson of Wilsall, Kim Stewart (Robert) of Helena, and Brandi Butler of Jefferson City; grandparents, Florence Korte of Lewiston, Bob and Judy Simpson of Helena, Pat and Lois Butler of Absarokee, Lola Simpson of Scottsdale, Ariz.; cousin and best buddy, Kelly Kleinsasser of Dillon; niece, Michaela Stewart; nephew, Tannin Fisher; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Cremation has taken place. The family invites all of Austin's friends and relatives to celebrate his life at a memorial service to be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in Brundage Chapel, Dillon. A reception will follow.

Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com/obits.