David Austin Obituary

Hinsdale, N.H.- David Michael "Dave" Austin, 72, of Emerson Drive, a proud native of Brattleboro, passed away Friday morning, November 22, 2024 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family following a period of declining health. Dave was born in Brattleboro on March 24, 1952, the son of Richard "Tink" and Dorothy (Ratte) Austin. He was raised in Brattleboro, attending public schools, and graduated from Brattleboro Union High School with the Class of 1970. Dave went on to attend New England College in Henniker, N.H. For twenty years he had been employed by Entergy working at the Vermont Yankee site as an MP & C clerk prior to retiring in 2015. A gifted woodworker, he previously worked as a master carpenter for several area general contractors as well as being self-employed with his own business. An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of the Brattleboro Country Club as well as the Brattleboro Outing Club, of which he was one of the local ski jumpers that competed both regionally and at Harris Hill. Dave started ski jumping at the tender age of 11 and went on to have a solid 24 year jumping career. Like his father, he went on to win the Vermont high school state championship and finished third in the New England championships in 1969. He went on to compete in the Junior Nationals in Jackson Hole, WY in 1970, and in 1972 was assigned an alternate with the U.S. Ski Team. In 1984 Dave placed third in the Masters Championship in Lake Placid and in 1985 finished first in the New England jumping Championship in Salisbury, Connecticut. Dave won many of the competitions at Bear Mountain and would fly 165 feet in one contest, an extremely long jump for the Bear Hill location. Fraternally, Dave was a member of the B.P.O. Elks, Brattleboro Lodge #1499, and was a life member of both the American Legion, Brattleboro Post #5, and the V.F.W., Carl M. Dessaint Post #1034. In conjunction with his love of sports, he was a family man who cherished time spent with his family and many friends. On January 1, 2001 in Guilford, at a small ceremony for immediate family and friends, he was married to Joan M. Richardson, Jr. who survives. Besides his loving wife of 23 years, he leaves three daughters, Jessica Gilly (Chris) of PA, Kristin Smith and fiancé, PJ, of Brattleboro, and Jennifer Ogden (Matthew) of Guilford; three sisters, Judi Schmidt of CO, Andrea Austin of Brattleboro, and Deborah Austin of ME; six grandchildren, Allison Benedict (Taran), Ben Ogden, Jessika Ogden (Danny Vaine), John Therieau (Kenzie Pollins), Emily Gilly and Cassidy Gilly; and two great-grandchildren, Lillian Benedict and DeLaney Vaine. Additionally, he is survived by his beloved in-laws, the Richardson family; special extended family, the Benedicts, and Wayne and Lynn Holden, all of Hinsdale; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial gathering and reception will take place on Saturday, (11/30) at the Elk's Home on Putney Road starting at 12:00 P.M. Prior to the reception, friends are invited to call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home from 10 to 12 Noon. Memorial contributions in Dave's name may be made to Harris Hill Ski Jump, P.O. Box 8284, Brattleboro, VT 05304. The entire Austin family wishes to convey their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Bayada Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care Dave received during his final days. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.