Austin, Stephen Laurence – It is with great sadness that the family of Stephen Austin announce his passing February 4, 2021, in his 85th year,  peacefully,  at the Juravinski Hospital after a brief illness.  Predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Esther (nee Chappell) in 2015.  Wonderful loving father to David, (Katherine) and  Carolyn (Tom Barbeau).  Adored Poppa  to Jessica (Jordan), Jonathan (Shannon), Candice (Benjamin), Andrew (Molly), Michael  (Sarah) and Joel.  His grandchildren were a source of pride, he supported them in their sporting events, theatre productions, graduations and weddings.  He was a great-poppa to Zachariah, Austin, Wyatt and Naomi and two new arrivals this summer.  Also survived by brothers Norman, Paul (Mary) and Alvyn and many nieces and nephews. Steve was born in Tushan, China to missionary parents  (John and Lillian).  He attended Chefoo schools until the family returned to Canada in 1951. Steve taught himself to play the piano by ear by playing on a piano that was attached to the missionary house near Toronto Bible College.  He was an avid photographer, taking many pictures  (and 1000s of slides) of family and of his many travels.  With his young family, we travelled across Canada and the USA, pulling a trailer behind us.  Then with Esther, they travelled the world with groups of travelers that Steve organized.  They visited Canada, USA, Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Peru, Easter Islands, Chile , China to name a few and he hiked the Grand Canyon too many times to count.  A trip highlight was a family cruise in 2013, Steve and Esther and their two children/spouses and 8 grandchildren/spouses cruised the Caribbean over New Years.  His faith was important to him.  Esther and Steve were long time members of Chedoke Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and sang in the choir.  Steve attended London Bible Institute where he met Esther and after they married, he went to Western University for his undergraduate degree .  He worked as a teacher/guidance counsellor at Burlington Central High school for almost 25 yrs.  He coached girl’s soccer and assisted in the drama productions. Esther and Steve had many dear friends , many friendships lasting for decades.  Many fond memories of “ the group”.   Steve especially enjoyed spending time with extended family every Christmas where  four generations of Austin family members would gather for our annual “Chinese Turkey”. Steve will be remembered as a quiet, thoughtful man, a true gentleman.  He loved to laugh.  He loved his God, he loved his family and he will be missed.  Many thanks to the staff at Juravinski Hospital and Aberdeen Gardens retirement home, for the wonderful care given to our dad.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Neighbour to Neighbour would be appreciated by the family.  Friends and Family are invited to Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main St. Dundas, on Tuesday February 9, from 6 – 9p.m. You must sign up at https://signup.com/go/KTcEAkX. A private family Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 10 at 11:00a.m.

To view the livestream: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=2f7a550a-db78-426e-a8d7-4774f4ca6e4e