GRANTHAM, NH — Brian J. Austin, 59, passed away peacefully at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care Monday, January 27, 2020 with his wife at his side. After receiving a cancer diagnosis in late 2018, Brian attacked his diagnosis with the same determination to win that he lived his life. He kept the foe at bay for longer than most are able only to have it return aggressively at the end.
Brian was born May 22, 1960 in Pittsburgh, PA the middle son of the late Richard and Lucille (Bates) Austin. After spending a short time on the family farm in Dudley, MA, he spent a happy childhood growing up in Keene NH, a place that was always home to him.
Brian graduated from Keene High School (1978), did a post-graduate year at Phillips Exeter, and graduated Amherst College (1984). After interning at Syracuse and earning his master’s degree in sports administration from UMass, he started his career as assistant athletic director at Cornell University, spent 6 years as Transylvania University’s athletic director (Lexington, KY) and the last 17 years at Dartmouth College, most recently Executive Associate AD for Varsity Sports.
While Brian dedicated to his career to providing students the opportunity to experience the lessons and education that participating in collegiate sports affords, his greatest joy was always his family. He met his wife Beverly (Blaney) at Amherst; they wed in 1990. Perhaps Brian’s greatest happiness was when he became the extremely proud father of his two daughters, Sarah and Kristina. He often spoke of how much he loved them both and enjoyed seeing them become the exceptional young adults they are.
Brian is survived by his wife Beverly and daughters Sarah and Kristina of Grantham; brothers Gary and wife Corinne of Hooksett, and David and wife Molly of Surry; nieces and nephews Kyle, Jennifer, Courtney, Greg, Sophie and Abby and their partners/families, cousins, aunts and uncles, and many loving in-laws.
Family and friends are invited to Brian’s memorial celebration at the Lebanon United Methodist Church of Lebanon, NH on Saturday February 8th at 3 PM with Rev. Becca Girrell officiating. A private burial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence for Brian’s family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com