Michael Walter Augustyniak

In Loving Memory Michael Walter Augustyniak, 64, of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, passed away on September 24, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of 12 years to Caroline Barnes, he was the son of Gertrude (Pezzner) Augustyniak and Walter Augustyniak of Barnegat, New Jersey. He is survived by his wife Caroline and children Andrew (Drew) Augustyniak of Northglenn, Colorado, and Casey Augustyniak of Westminster, Colorado, his father Walter of Barnegat, New Jersey, his sister Nancy Brittelle and husband Doug of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, his brother Paul Augustyniak and wife Susan McGregor of Rockaway, New Jersey, his nephew Bill Brittelle and family of Brooklyn, New York, his niece Amy Augustyniak of Austin, Texas, his mother and father-in-law Ruth and Jim Barnes of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and his sister and brother-in-law Deborah and Julian Hardaker, also of Glenwood Springs, and their daughters Kate and Claire. Mike grew up in Bridgewater, New Jersey, and attended Rutgers University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning and Design from Cook College in 1980. He soon began his career with the New Jersey State Police, and became a true expert in the field of Emergency Management. In his more than 33 years there, he developed policies and procedures still in effect today, and trained countless others in their implementation. Mike was an esteemed and beloved colleague and friend to many. Known to almost everyone as "Augie," he accomplished much in his long tenure with the NJSP, playing important and lasting roles in many assignments. He worked in the Emergency Response Bureau and was the Emergency Management Section's hazardous materials (HAZMAT) expert. As an instructor, he developed and conducted exercises, provided technical assistance visits and, over a period of five years, almost single-handedly brought the HAZMAT annexes of the State's 566 municipalities and 21 counties up to the standards demanded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Later, Mike became the several governors' go-to-guy in weather situations during hurricane season. He was instrumental in developing plans for the State's new fusion center, the Regional Operations Intelligence Center, and was a stalwart during the Y2K transition and numerous major federal exercises. Mike was a deeply thoughtful and intellectual professional. He cared earnestly about the mission and always saw the potential of the organization and strived untiringly to help everyone achieve it. His knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of state agencies was unsurpassed. He was unquestionably one of the most respected and versatile civilian employees in New Jersey State Government. After he retired, Mike continued to use his emergency management and planning skills as a contractor, coordinating and developing policies for New Jersey Task Force 1, one of 28 FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Teams. Mike also co-taught several classes at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland. And for a change of pace, he worked several hours a week at the tiny and beloved Crosswicks Library in Crosswicks, New Jersey, a mile from his home, and served as primary editor for his father's book, Adventures of a Young Marine in WWII, published in 2018. Mike was incredibly warm and friendly, and a wonderful conversationalist. He was an excellent cook, was very handy, and he greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing at Round Valley Reservoir and Long Beach Island in New Jersey. He also loved walking and hiking, and was very proud of the fact that in 2019, he fulfilled a dream of his by completing a more than 14 mile hike around Round Valley Reservoir. In September 2020 he and Caroline fulfilled another dream of theirs by moving to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to be near her parents and sister and her family. They built a home in the same neighborhood as the rest of Caroline's family. Before he was diagnosed in Summer 2021 with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative illness, Mike was able to ski and fish in Colorado, which he had been looking forward to doing for years. He also was able to enjoy being in his new home with its wonderful view of the mountains. Mike was the best husband, father, brother, son, and friend anyone could ask for. We will remember most his sense of humor and infectious laugh, his thoughtful and loving nature, his cleverness and curiosity, and his incredible zest for life. And we will miss him forever. In the words of his beloved Star Trek, may he "live long and prosper!" A small memorial service for immediate family was held in Glenwood Springs in early November. A second service will be held in New Jersey a year from now for family, friends and former colleagues on the East Coast, details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following organizations: The CJD Foundation, www.cjdfoundation.org, Gear Forward, www.gearforward.org, an organization that collects donations of gently used outdoor gear so children can enjoy the outdoors, and the Sauerland Outdoor Center, www.sauerlandoutdoorcenter.org, formerly known as the Round Valley Youth Center, at Round Valley Reservoir in New Jersey.