John Vesper Austin's Obituary
John Vesper Austin was born September 13, 1923 in Delta, Utah to Vieva and Addison Austin. He was one of eight children, Harry, Addison, Virginia, Virgil, Don, Merele, and Margarite and grew up in Sedro Woolleu. John passed away after a courageous fight with cancer, December 31, 2010. He was an army veteran of World War II, and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star with an Oakleaf Cluster for his bravery in the Battle of the Bulge, European Theater under George Patton. John graduated from WSU School of Architecture where he met his beloved wife, Doris. They had sixty-three wonderful years together, and raised two children, Randi Anderson (Steve) and Lindsay Austin (Heidi). He and his wife enjoyed tennis, golf, pickleball, and extensive traveling. He had an architectural firm for forty years with several fine partners. His beautiful buildings are seen throughout the Northwest, and he received several A.I.A. awards. John also started the Parkland/Spanaway Chamber of Commerce, was chairman of the Pierce County Planning Commission for six years, and was on the Civic Arts Commission, being instrumental in getting 1% for the Arts. John was a devoted active member of Lake City Community Church, serving on the Board of Overseers, taught classes, and was a living example of what he believed. His quiet witness and love spoke highly of his faith. He was blessed with eight grandchildren, Laura Slotemaker (Matt), Jill Austin, Ruth Bernt (Caleb), Anna, Martin, Margaret, Rebekah, Sam Anderson, and two great grandchildren Kaylee and Benjamin Bernt. He will be dearly missed by all his family. Memorial services will be held Saturday, 11:00am, January 8, at Lake City Community Church, 8810 Lawndale Ave. S.W., Lakewood, WA.
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