Richard Austin

RICHARD AUSTIN IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Richard Charles Austin, 45, of Idaho Falls died February 3, 2007, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Richard was born June 10, 1961, in Munich, Germany, to Irmgard Sophia Weber and Charles Robert Austin. His childhood years were spent in Hardheim and Munich, Germany, New Hampshire and Lawton, Oklahoma where his family finally settled when his father was assigned to Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 1979, Richard graduated from MacArthur High School, where he was an honor student and member of their marching band. He continued his family's tradition of military service by joining the U. S. Navy. He trained in San Diego, California, Orlando, Florida, Great Lakes, Illinois and Idaho Falls, before joining the fleet aboard the USS enterprise stationed in Alameda, California. He served for 6 years as an Electronics Technician and Nuclear Reactor Operator and attained the rank of Petty Officer First Class. Following his Navy career Richard remained in California to work and study. It was there that he met the Love of his life, Annabelle Acuna. Surrounded by family and friends they were married May 13, 1989 at San Fernando Mission Rey de Espana in Los Angeles. In 1992, Richard received his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University Northridge. In 1997, Richard's dream of returning to Idaho was realized when he began working for Newport News Shipbuilding for the decommissioning projects at the Naval Reactors Facility near Idaho Falls. At the time of his death, Richard was a Senior Engineer with Bechtel Bettis. Richard was a lifelong member of the Roman Catholic Church. He was active in scouting and through church service achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with Silver Palms. He was a brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, received the Ad Alpare Die Medallion and the Pope Pious XII Emblem for Explorer. His strong faith, his belief in God, his love of life, his ethics and service to others were shaped by his early involvement with the church and scouting. Richard was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his monther, Irmgard Sophie Austin, his father Charles Robert Austin his uncle, Richard Austin, and his mother-in-law, Jenny Valdez Acuna. He is survived by his wife, Annabelle Austin of Idaho Falls; brother, Alfred (Becky) Austin, Lawton, OK; brother, Joseph (Cyndi) Austin, Hampton, VA; brother, Michael (Missy) Austin, Cache, OK; Sister, Patricia Austin: father-in-law, Robert Acuna, Pacoima, CA; Aunt, Joanne Blaker, Camarillo, CA; Uncle, Karl (Doris) Weber, Gemmingen, Germany; Cousin, Werner (Ursel) Brummer, Frankfurt, Germany; nieces, Amber, Tiffany, Sophie and Chloe Austin of Cache, OK; niece Noel Acuna and nephews, Christopher, Jonathon, Matthew and William Acuna of Los Angeles, CA. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2007, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends for one hour Saturday before services at the funeral home. Ralph Waldo Emerson described success best by writing: To laugh often and much, To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, To find the best in others, To leave the world a better place, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; This is to have succeeded. ----------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Kim Chesnovar 1318kac@msn.com I enjoyed working with Richard and having him as a friend. He was a very smart, funny, man. Bob Keller pghpens99@yahoo.com Annabelle, I am so sorry for your loss. I am still shocked of the news. Rich was such a caring, humble, and nice friend of mine. He was a good man. I can't imagine what you are going through right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Rich will be sorely missed. I wish I could be there for you to express my sorrow in person. Doug Rowell idahocaveman@hotmail.com To family and friends of Richard. I came from Newport News and worked directly with Rich at NRF from April 03 thru August 04. Rich was not only instrumental with a burning desire to improve work efforts, but most importantly was the MOST positive and pleasant GREAT person I have EVER had the privilege to work with ANYWHERE/ANYTIME in my career. Me and others tried to get Rich to Sumo wrestle jokingly yet seriously because we knew he would be great at it. Rich and me spent several car rides to/from NRF with always great conversation. Even after Newport News came back home, we continued to stay in phone contact with business/friendly calls always with great laughs. I am including myself with MANY others the privilege to have had blessed a part of my lifetime I will never forget . . . God Bless and rest King Richard! Pam Noonan pjn331@hotmail.com Annabelle, I just wanted to let you know I have been thinking about you for this last week. I remember our conversation while doing your hair, about your trip to Germany this spring. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless and comfort you at this time.