We Remember
AUSTIN, Gary “Buck”
September 16, 1971 — September 13, 2024
Surrounded by the love of his family and friends, Buck Austin died peacefully at home in Kelowna, BC, on September 13, 2024.
Buck was born in Buffalo, NY on September 16, 1971, and lived in Crystal Beach, Fort Erie, and Niagara Falls, Ontario; Jasper, Alberta; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, before making his permanent home in Kelowna, BC in the early 80s. Buck was a trailblazer, having graduated from Springvalley Secondary School, the first student with multiple disabilities in SD23 to attend his neighbourhood school with support. Buck is remembered by many former students, teachers, and CEAs.
Buck had a ready smile and enjoyed a cold beer on a hot day, travel to Las Vegas, and when he was younger, therapeutic riding. He liked to be around people in busy environments and was always interested in watching what was going on. Buck adored his little nieces and nephews. He liked to sit in the sun and the sound of people reading to him. Buck always appreciated delicious foods and loved traditional dinners with his family.
Although Buck had many challenges related to his disabilities, he met all the hard times with courage, curiosity, kindness, and forgiveness. Buck didn’t use words, but he had an array of other communication skills that served him well. He was a keeper of secrets for many, always willing to listen without judgment and with understanding.
Buck will be forever loved, respected, and missed by his parents Paul and Linda Austin; brothers Greg & Darlene Austin, Mike Austin, and Rob & Farrah-Lee Austin; and sister Stacy Austin, all of Kelowna. He was predeceased by his grandparents and his brother, Ben. Buck has many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews in Florida, New York, Nevada, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC.
We are forever grateful to Lifestyle Equity Society, Jo Vella, Louise Tosoff, and their amazing teams of helpers and carers who provided happiness, safety, and good health to Buck for over 30 years. We also thank Dr. Gayle Klammer and Laura Timms, RN.
We’ll celebrate wonderful Buck on a warm sunny day as he would love that! Details to follow.
Buck was an awesome human.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Heartfelt sympathy Linda and Paul on the loss of your son.
Sending our deepest condolences from my family to yours on the loss of Buck. May his memories forever make you smile. From the Mead family
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your dear son. . Although we never knew Busk personally, I remember hearing your stories of him over the years . Reading his obituary was a great summary of all that he was and why he will be greatly missed.. I hope your cherished memories of him will give you comfort as you adjust to living life without him.