John Austin was a top-notch conversationalist, being able to engage just about anyone in a discussion of a variety of topics, for any length of time.
John Austin passed away May 21 at the age of 94 having lived a full and active life, becoming a well-known part of the Moose Jaw community.
After retiring from the RCAF after a 20-year career, he became a recreation consultant with the provincial department of culture and recreation and it was in that capacity that we became acquainted. He was a much appreciated adviser when the local committee was planning both Summer and Winter Games in Moose Jaw. He was a top volunteer recruiter and was quick to share his methods with communities across the province.
As an organizer of an interprovincial conference, I recruited John to be a workshop leader on the topic of finding, training and working with volunteers. He had 90 minutes to share several years of knowledge. At the end of the 90 minutes he approached me in some disgruntlement, noting that he still had things to say and needed more time.
As it happened, another workshop leader had cancelled without any advance notice and I had an empty spot right after the luncheon. John was excited to be able to possibly complete his remarks in another 90 minute segment. His audience increased at the second time slot and more chairs had to be moved in. He smiled the whole time. Then like a gentleman, he signed over his gratuity to my organization.
John successfully ran for Moose Jaw City Council in 1982 and won re-election again in 1985, providing some common sense approaches to municipal government. In later years he commented to me that he was sorry to hear the lack of understanding of governance and the lack of respect between council members and towards city administration. John ran unsuccessfully for mayor in the 1988 election. He would have been an excellent mayor, knowing when to stand firm and how to turn city council into a team.
John was an avid hunter and on a number of occasions shared his hunting treasures with us, accompanied by his recommendations on how to cook the wild meat. We appreciated his generosity.
We valued his friendship over the years and admired his work ethic, his willingness to be a mentor to others and for the respect he showed everyone, in all circumstances. We offer sincere condolences to his family.
Joyce Walter can be reached at [email protected]
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
