Obituary - Norman Street Austin Jr
San Diego Union-Tribune, The (CA) - October 22, 2007
Deceased Name: AUSTIN Jr., NORMAN STREET
Oct. 18, 1949 to Oct. 14, 2007 Norman, 57, passed away on Sunday, October
14, 2007, at home after a very brief illness. Norm was a native of San Diego
and spent his younger years in La Mesa and then later in life lived in El
Cajon. He attended La Mesa Dale Elementary School, La Mesa Junior High,
Helix High School and Grossmont College. Norm graduated from San Diego State
University and later attended graduate classes at the University of
Virginia. Norm began working as a part-time teller in La Mesa for Bank of
America in 1971. He retired from Bank of America in 2000 as a Senior Vice
President. He then worked for Wells Fargo Bank in San Diego. His last job
there was as a client manager in Business Banking. This was one of his most
enjoyable jobs, working with the clients and being able to help them succeed
in their businesses.
Norm had many passions in his life. One of those was camping, whether in the desert or in the mountains. For the last 22 years, the family had gone to Yosemite camping in October. Yosemite held a very special place in Norm's heart. Norm also loved coaching baseball. He coached his sons, Michael and Jonathan, at Cajon De Oro Little League. He also held positions on their board. Baseball always was a joy to Norm. Norm had the opportunity to be part of a pit crew for the Baja 1000 race. His task was to chase the baja car down to La Paz. He loved being part of the excitement of the race and spoke of it often. Norms latest passion was restoring a 1966 Power Wagon. His family thought he was crazy for towing home a rusted, old truck that he said could be made into a show piece. But he was right. He enjoyed spending many hours searching for parts for the truck. The truck was his pride and joy. He had just started showing the truck in car shows when he became ill. Norm's illness overtook him quickly, but he was able to go to Yosemite again this year for a last trip the week before he died. This was a special trip for him and for his family. It is now a place to go to remember all of our good times for many years to come.
Norman is survived by his wife of 36 years, Laurarene (Sather) Austin. She and Norm met while in high school. She asked him to be her graduation partner and they were together ever since. Also survived by his three children, Michael, Jonathan, and Danielle. Also his sister, Annette (Austin) Weber and her husband, Robert Weber. He also leaves behind a niece and nephews and their families. Norm is predeceased by his father, Norman Street Austin, and his mother, Beulah Jane Austin. Norm loved so many things about life, he loved coaching baseball, his baja bug, Yosemite, the 1966 truck, his dog Tyson, watching football, playing horseshoes and golf, and most of all, he loved his Sunday family barbecues and playing cards afterwards.
Norm will be missed by all who knew him and by the many lives that he
touched and influenced. We are so sad to be without him, but so very glad he
is now resting peacefully with God. A memorial service will be on Tuesday,
October 23rd, at 1:30 p.m. at El Cajon Mortuary, 684 South Mollison. The
graveside service will immediately follow at Singing Hills Memorial Park. In
lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer
Society, please specify lung cancer research. Please sign the guest book at
obituaries.uniontrib.com.
Edition: F
Page: B-5