Ritchie Alvin Austin

At 5:30 pm on August 12th, a beloved member of our family, Ritchie Austin of Napa, California, passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto, California. This departure occurred following complications from a surgery performed to interrupt the progression of cancer, which he had been diagnosed with about this same time last year. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing. And with that event, the world became a much less perfect place.

Ritchie left behind countless loving friends and family members; too many to mention here, however this notice is not about who they are, but rather who he was, anyway.

You may have known Ritchie, who retired a few years ago from many decades working in the asphalt, grading, and paving business as a heavy equipment operator, as the "Toucan Man". He often delighted in bringing his cherished Tilly (the toucan) to local events to mingle with adults and children, alike. What few people knew was that, when folks began offering him money to have their picture taken with her, he began quietly funneling those funds to organizations that serve those confronting food insecurity, like the local food bank and Meals-On-Wheels, donating thousands of dollars collectively over time to that end.

The San Fransisco Giants couldn't possibly have had many fans bigger than Ritchie was. For him, a gifted athlete himself, going to a Giants' game, or watching one on TV, could only be bested by time spent on a "dad date" with his treasured kid, Michele, bowling, fishing, making music, and playing billiards, among other things. Naturally artistic and creative, he was a masterful harmonica player who loved to "jam" with visiting and local bands at area events.

A celebration of Ritchie's life is being planned at this time, with the date yet TBD. Please join the Facebook group "Ritchie Austin: In Memorium" to stay abreast of information about this event and to share your memories of Ritchie or read those shared by others. Ritchie Alvin Austin