Austin James Doig

Bolton - Austin James Doig was born February 17, 1990 in Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and from then on, his lifelong appreciation for learning began. And as a result, he was always with a book in hand, especially anything that included history. Those who knew and loved Austin know too he was deeply creative and curious. As a young kid he loved skateboarding and snowboarding, watching movies, and playing video games as well as the saxophone.

Austin died unexpectedly at home on Friday, December 11, 2025. He was 35.

Austin graduated from Nashoba Regional High School in 2008 and later attended Quinsigamond Community College. He spent many years working in the restaurant industry, where his quiet dedication and steady presence were valued by coworkers and patrons alike. He worked for several area businesses, including Firefly’s in Marlboro and Newbury Court in Concord.

Above all else, Austin had a gentle heart and a strong sense of loyalty to the people he loved. One of the most meaningful chapters of his life was the time he spent caring for his beloved grandfather, James Pavlin, affectionately known as “Papa.” Austin devoted himself fully to this role, caring for him both in Puerto Rico and in Falmouth. Those years were among his proudest and most cherished, reflecting his compassion, patience, and quiet strength. After his grandfather’s passing, Austin returned to his native and much-loved Bolton to be closer to his family, whom he loved deeply.

Austin will be remembered for his kindness, his thoughtful nature, and the quiet care he showed to those around him. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Austin is survived by his mother, Julie (Pavlin) Doig of Bolton and her fiancé, Robin Rhodes and his father, Gary Doig of Clinton; and his brother, Evan A. Doig of Maynard, with whom he shared a lifelong bond.

He is also lovingly remembered by his many aunts and uncle and cousins including Nancy and John Witkowski of Acton, Diane and Tom Lewis of Hingham, Neil Doig of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Andrew and Donna Pavlin of New Hampshire, Betty and George Chrisanthopoulos of Agawam, Massachusetts, Nancy and James Hickey of Illinois and Holly and William Koski of Layton, Utah.

Austin was predeceased by his grandparents, James and Marilyn (Leucht) Pavlin, and Alexander and Jean Ann Doig, who welcomed him with love and shaped the person he became.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Austin’s life on Friday, December 19th at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club, 284 East Temple Street, Boylston with visiting hours from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by his Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Karen Dorshimer Chaplin will officiate. Burial will be private at West Burying Grounds, Bolton, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Austin’s memory to the Greg Hill Foundation, through Evan’s fundraiser page for the Boston Marathon: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/6856586

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.