Obituary of Douglas D. Austin

Doug Austin lived his life with generosity, a zestful enthusiasm and tremendous tenacity, in the most colorful, well-appointed wardrobe one could imagine. At twenty years old, he married his sweetheart, JoAnn Knight, and enjoyed the next fifty-one years as a husband, a father, and a grandfather. He built an extraordinary life for his family and those who shared in his graciousness. Whether it was beloved vacations at Tahoe, the infamous Happy Hop, Christmas Day with Jack, Deone and the cousins, or Sunday afternoon on Kite Hill, Doug was always a welcoming, generous host with a touch of mischief involved. To his family he was their true north. He was a provider of laughter, love and insatiable stories of silly mishaps. To his wife, JoAnn, he was simply amazing. To his Mother Edna, and Father, Paul, he was a devoted son and their great joy. To his children, Stacey, Cori, and Douglas, he was an explorer, like Magellan, discovering new pathways, and sharing those pathways with their family journeys around the world. To his daughter-in-law, Kelly, he was a constant and caring. To his beloved granddaughters, Hayley and Sarah Jo, he could become an Indian Chief or Peter Pan at the drop of a hat. He appreciated every special adventure they shared especially 49er football games and swimming. As a lifelong resident of Santa Cruz, Doug had quite a local history. He played for the 1956 Championship Santa Cruz High School Football Team with athletes that became cherished lifelong friends. He also played for the first football team at Cabrillo College. Coach Larry Siemering credited him as a "fierce" blocker and an even "fiercer" tackle. His talents soon turned to golf and this became his favorite sport. Friends say he is a 2 handicap trapped in the body of a well-dressed 18 handicap, but that didn't stop the bets from being placed on Fridays or Sundays. In 1962, he entered the insurance business. Doug charged ahead on a successful climb to the pinnacle of his profession. He built a solid reputation in the business, first with Met Life and Santa Cruz Insurance Center, later forming The Austin Group. He was awarded the coveted Millionaire Round Table Award a number of times throughout his tenure. A few years into sharing his recipe for success with his son, Douglas, they both won this award in the same year. This was a very proud personal and professional moment in the Austin legacy. Doug has been an outstanding community member. He was involved in a number of civic and charitable organizations such as Mid-County Rotary, United Way, Association for the Retarded, Dominican Hospital Foundation and a Board Member of the Big Z Charitable Foundation. He is a past Cub Scout Master, A Junior Achievement Leader, past President of the Pasatiempo Homeowners Association, and past President of the Pasatiempo Golf Club. He has been a Director in both Coast Commercial, and the newest Santa Cruz financial institution, Lighthouse Bank. Please join the family for a final hop at Twin Lakes Church on Friday, May 18, 2012 at 12:30 pm to celebrate this extraordinary gentleman. Contributions in honor of Doug are preferred to the Monte Foundation, please call Marc Monte at 688-1104.