Gerald Blake Anthony Austin

May 21, 1933 – October 8, 2018

It is with deep sadness that Gerald’s family announces his passing away peacefully at Strathroy General Hospital, surrounded by loving family, at the age of 85 years. RCN decorated Korean War Veteran 1950-1953, whose total naval service was from 1950-1975. LTC Transit driver in London, Ontario 1975-1995. Gerald (Jerry) is lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 63 years, Mary Rosaline Austin (née Martell); his four sons, Richard, Peter, James, John; and daughter, Natalie. He was blessed with ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, whom he greatly adored. Jerry was predeceased by his father, Richard Blake Austin (Asheville, North Carolina); his mother, Dorothy Sylvia Austin Lattimore (London, Ontario); and his brothers, Richard Edward Austin, James Kenneth Austin, and sister, Marian Jean Muir (née Austin). He joined the Royal Canadian Navy at age 17 and, after initial training, went to the Korean War. For the duration of his naval career he served on several RCN ships as a weapons technician, operator and instructor. Upon retiring from the RCN, Jerry moved his family back to his home in London, Ontario and became a London Transit Bus driver from 1975-1995. In retirement, Jerry’s hobbies included Austin Family Genealogy, gardening, and caring for his many pets and wild birds. He was an avid story teller with many humorous anecdotes, which he thoroughly enjoyed sharing with laughter. Jerry was a proud veteran and for several years was a staunch supporter and member of Royal Canadian Naval Association (London), Korea Veterans Association, and Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping. There will be an interment at WOODLAND CEMETERY, 493 Springbank Drive, London, Ontario on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life reception at the BERKSHIRE CLUB, 500 Berkshire Drive, London, Ontario at 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Jerry are asked to consider the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex.

“FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS”