William Arthur Austin ( ART ) (16 May 1939 - 14 Jun 2016)

In loving memory of William Arthur Austin ( ART ) who sadly passed away on 14th June 2016

Below is the Eulogy delivered at Art's funeral on 24/06/2016 by Phil Austin:
My Father Art was well known to many and well loved by many that knew him.
I know Art would be pleased to see each and every one of you here today, and would welcome all with his usual good humour, and his kind and open attitude.

Many sons want their Fathers to be proud of them, but I want to say that I am proud of my Father. The way that Art conducted his life, his family affairs and his relationships with people has been, and always will be, a true lesson for me, in my life and my future.

A true family man, Art loved Sandra.
He loved his family, his friends and his passage through life.
Art also loved humour and especially wordplay, and he could dazzle and delight with his wit.
No task was too much trouble for Art, and he never saw anything as a chore.
He had a truly subtle way of conveying his feelings without offence or overbearing.

I have a lifetime of brilliant and beautiful memories that will remain in my heart forever, as have all of our family, but I would like to share a few examples of what Art meant to us.

In play, Art used to ‘wind up’ his much smaller sister, Margaret, then hold her back by her forehead when she went to hit him. When Margaret cleverly tried to kick him, she would slip and fall over, it always ended with laughter, and this set a pattern for their lives to follow.

Before Paul and I came along, Mum told us of Art’s time in the Territorial Army, and how he came home in Jeeps, Lorries and even an Armoured Personnel Carrier! I heard he learned to drive in a Jeep raised on bricks, then a lap of the Barracks got him his Driving Licence.

He loved playing football for Eagle, his passion was only halted by a severe leg injury whilst playing, when he kicked a frozen molehill taking a rare shot at goal. As the St. John’s Ambulancemen stretchered him off Art could still be heard laughing, as us kids begged them not to cut his laces out of his football boots, as we wanted them for playing “conkers!”.

In 1966 Art was one of the first to get a colour TV for the World Cup Final, but he spent time and effort along with all who wanted to watch the Final by soliciting their help (and probably materials) to build a huge swing in the garden for the kids! This ensured that the Final could be watched without interruption, and the kids were kept entertained too.

Our Holidays were the best, Art made every moment special for everyone. All us children spent the most wonderful time in Caravans and Awnings, from Saltfleet to Cornwall to Wales and even Spain. As the kids grew up, Art still loved to holiday well. He worked hard to earn holidays, and he took Sandra to places abroad that now seem close, but this was way back and very special and precious.

Art’s big heart and sense of humour also helped him to get on well at work, he enjoyed work because it brought him satisfaction and supported his family, and allowed the next holiday, too!
He loved his involvement with younger colleagues and apprentices, and I know the regard people at work held for him, I was lucky to work in parallel to him at EGT. I would hear of Art from colleagues unaware I was his son, and used to glow with the feeling that others had experienced and appreciated this wonderful, kind and skilled man.

Art made us proud to know him, and set us a high standard to follow through life.

In Heaven, Art has earned a privileged position. I hope there is a warm sandy beach to lie on in bright sunshine, a deep clear blue sea to swim in and a well stocked bar with good food and good company. And if England are on the TV and winning, well that would top it off!

THANK YOU, DAD!!!