William H. Austin

William “Bill” Austin passed away on July 19, 2023 at the age of 78 after a short, but tough battle with cancer. He was born on February 17, 1945, and was the son of Roxie and Bill Austin. He spent his early childhood in Hot Springs, Arkansas with his two younger sisters Pat and Barb. Later, the family of five settled in Arvada, Colorado in 1956.

Bill’s life was full of accomplishments. He was a talented wrestler. He was a League and District champion and wrestled in the finals for the State Championship for the Arvada Redskins. At Northeastern Junior College, he was named Junior College All American Wrestler and was part of the 1964 National Championship team. He earned an Associates from NJC and a Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State College. His careers included driving buses, National Guardsman, and Master Plumber. He retired from the city of Arvada after having been a Building Inspector for 23 years. Bill was a proud member of the Arvada community since 1956 with deep roots and friendships that lasted his lifetime. His life-long love of fishing earned him the Austin family record with a 42-inch, 26-pound muskie.

No other accomplishment could compare to the love and devotion he had for his family. Bill met the love of his life, Kathy, in high school and they were married for 57 years. They literally built a home and life together with their two children, Heath and Kaylynn. The family expanded with in-laws Brad, and Sandy who he treated as his own. His pride and joy became his grandchildren, Annabeth, Case, Briar, and Bray.  

Bill is survived by his wife Kathy, children Heath (Sandy) Austin, Kaylynn (Brad) Johnson, sister Barb (Tim) Roark, brother-in-law Russ Mayer, sister-in-law Barb Stolte, and countless nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Roxie Austin, his sister, Pat Mayer, and his beloved dog, Enders.

A funeral service in honor of Bill’s life will be held on July 26, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. at Horan and McConaty (7577 W. 80^th Ave., Arvada 80003) followed by a reception at the house that Bill, family, and friends built.