Burton Henry Austin

Burton Austin passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2020 at North Idaho Hospice House in Coeur 'd Alene, ID. Burton H. Austin was born on November 20, 1933 in Mulberry, Kansas to Gladys and Andrew Austin. While still a youth his family moved to the Pacific Northwest. After a short stint in the United States Marine Corps he returned to Port Townsend WA, where he met the love of his life Joyce Irene Graves. They were married on Dec. 5th of 1954. He is survived by his wife Joyce Austin of Post Falls ID, daughter Judy Purkett and her husband James, granddaughter Carma and her Husband Frank Arquitt and his great-grandsons Zachary and Jonathan of Spokane Valley WA, His grandson Gary Purkett his wife Kristy, great grandson Timothy and great grand-daughters Kezia, Lydia, Moriah and Noelle, of Medical Lake WA, his Daughter Lorrie Austin of Spokane Valley WA, Daughter Barbara Austin, Vietnam and granddaughters Heather Southerland-Smallwood, her husband Tim , great granddaughter imogen and great grandson Quinn,of Austin Texas, Granddaughter Steviee Southerland, of Spokane WA. And Grandson John Southerland, of Spokane WA. He is survived by son Bret Austin of Shelton WA, and granddaughter Kassandra, great-granddaughter Kyliah, of Shelton WA. Preceded in death by Grandson Brent Austin, of Clarksville Tennessee, survived by great-grandson Colt Austin and great-granddaughter Sutton Austin of Clarksville Tennessee. Preceded by Death by daughter Rena Austin Donovan, and granddaughter Angie Donovan of Spokane Valley, Survived by granddaughter Jacqueline Donovan, and great-granddaughter Melissa and great-grandson Spencer, and numerous nephews and nieces. Bert worked as an appliance repair man for Westinghouse for many years in Denver Colorado, and Tacoma WA. He changed professions and became a long haul driver for various companies, until a job related accident caused him to become medically retired. They moved to Port Townsend again to care for aging parents, and upon their death they relocated to Spirit Lake, ID. Never forgetting his brother in Arms he then, in retirement, became a volunteer van driver, picking up veterans in Northern Idaho and transporting them to Spokane's Veterans' hospital for care, for the next 15 years. He even flew to the Midwest to pick up a new van for the Spokane Veterans hospital and drove it across the country back to Spokane. Among his many diverse interests he was a Ham radio operator, and enjoyed talking to people around the country, and went to many Ham fests. He enjoyed watching custom car shows and was an avid fan of Car racing. Per Bert's request there will be no services. He requested that those who knew him remember a time that gave you great joy while with him, and wrap that memory around your heart to remember him by. We will miss his great stories of his life and the people who touched his heart. He always felt his closest friends were more like family to him then just friends. He often had a word or story to brighten someone's day. He loved his wife with all his heart and after 66 years of marriage he often referred to her as his bride. He loved with all his heart and those who were blessed to know him knew that about him. He led by example of how to be kind to others and always showed that little acts of kindness not only blessed those who received them but the giver as well. Burton will be interned at a later date in the Washington State Veterans Memorial cemetery, in Medical Lake WA. The family thanks North Idaho Hospice for providing a serene and gentle place for his passing. and everyone for their prayers and support, as we say good-bye for now..