George F. Austin

George made the world safe for so many young ones.

Coach Austin has had a positive effect on countless lives of students who have passed though his classroom. His words, his actions, and his commitment to his players and students have helped so many see the light including me. I am a better person for having known him. There are some big shoes to fill at El Cerrito HS.

George was a good friend of my brother. He was always quick to make sure his friend's little sister did not get lost at McKinley High School. He will never be forgotten by those who knew him in Canton.

George was a blessing to our family! Besides being a good ear and and encouragement to both my son and daughter; when my son, Tyson was injured as a Young lieutenant in Afghanistan, George called me, to check on him more than once. He was kind and selfless and brought out the best in the kids he mentored and befriended. We all were brought to tears we found out he had passed. He left a big mark on those he touched. He will be misssd!

To Adrienne and the rest of George's family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am so sad to hear of his passing. I hope you will find peace again soon.

God Bless

Please accept my most sincere sympathy for your loss of George. We went to Canton McKinley together and I remember him as a quiet and gentle person. What a wonderful life he went on to live and share with others. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sincerely, Kathy Quinn Findley

Mr. Austin was my teacher at El Cerrito High School. I used to spend my lunch period in his class among many other students from all backgrounds who found comfort and care in his class. He was funny, he was kind. He gave us advice on school, life, and taught us to work hard. I can't believe he is no longer in the physical realm. It is an indescribable feeling of loss and heartbreak, to think that such a wonderful soul has left us. Some people ought to be eternal. Mr. Austin, if you're there, I want to tell you thank you, and I miss you. You are one of the reasons why I still have hope in humanity. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us, his students, he created a safe, judgement free environment for us to grow, I will always love him for that. Rest in peace Mr. Austin, and I know your family will be okay, they must be so proud of you. Much love,
Your student, Maysa.

May George rest in peace. He lived that way. We were friends and activists together in the 60s. I will always remember him fondly.

I am deeply saddened by the news of George Austin's passing. For many years, he was one of my most valued colleagues. We shared a deep commitment to our students, to El Cerrito High School, and to our community. This commitment served as the basis of a friendship that has endured for many years, even though I was never a very good football fan. George was a consistent inspiration to those of us who knew him. He was smart, caring, and always anxious to make a postive contribution. I will really miss him. I have a treasured memory from early in our careers of me sitting on his lap, when he was dressed as Santa Claus.

My sympathy goes out to his family. I remember Adrienne as a warm, wonderful student, about whom he often spoke of with pride. His wife, Leslyn, checked on me after my first knee surgery at Alta Bates, and she was the first person I saw as I emerged from my anesthetic haze. George always looked out for others and, clearly his family does the same. I want to thank them for sharing him with the rest of us. Our lives have been immeasureably improved by knowing him.

Bob Fabini

RIP Mr. Austin! You will be greatly missed. The Carleton/Pernell Family send their Condolences.

My condolences to the family. May you cherish your happy memories of your dear love one. And may the words of Hosea 13:14 provide you with comfort.