John Austin

AUSTIN--John, M.D., 64, Oakland, California resident. Died in an airplane accident on May 29, 2009. Dr. Austin was a pioneer in bringing high-quality health care services to rural communities. He was the founder, executive chairman and chief medical officer of Arcadian Management Services, an Oakland California-based provider of high-quality, cost-effective administrative infrastructure and management services to health care provider groups, hospitals and health plans. Since 2005, Arcadian Health Plan has continued to live his vision to provide health care needs of traditionally under-served members of rural communities, with 46,000 members in 11 states. As a young doctor, Dr. Austin worked in the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic in San Francisco and, later, helped develop Rockridge Clinic, one of the early community health plans in the Bay Area. He went on to serve other health care companies in executive roles for more than 20 years. Dr. Austin also was a dedicated conservationist. Most recently, he restored Boulder Creek Canyon Ranch in Utah to have the ranch placed under conservation easement; it now is preserved in perpetuity as an organic working ranch. Dr. Austin received his undergraduate degree and M.D. degree from the University of California in San Francisco, and his Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. Described as a "Renaissance Man" by friends, Dr. Austin excelled not only professionally, but also at most trades - mechanic, carpenter, electrician and plumbing. He was well-read, and found the time to continue to read and learn, to accrue knowledge deeply and broadly. Dr. Austin is survived by his loving wife, Jacqui Smalley. A memorial service to honor Dr. Austin will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 1pm to 4pm at the Claremont Country Club, 5295 Broadway Terrace, Oakland, California. To reach the Claremont Country Club by phone, please dial 510-653-6789. At the family's request, anyone wishing to offer expressions of sympathy may do so by making a donation in the name of Dr. Austin to: Boulder Community Foundation PO Box 1351, Boulder, UT 84716 http://www.bouldercommunityalliance.org/happenings/happenings.html Please make checks payable to: Boulder Community Foundation.