Obituary of Harry Austin

AUSTIN - Mr. Harry Austin of Fort McMurray, Alberta and formerly of Yorkton and Togo passed away September 1, 2010 at the age of 68 years. Harry Oliver Austin was born on December 4, 1941 to parents Fredrick and Hazel on the family farm near Togo, SK. He received his education at Togo school up to grade 9 and belonged to Cubs, Boy Scouts, 4-H beef and Grain Clubs. After leaving school he became a Heavy Diesel Mechanic. This trade took him to Thompson, Man., but missing family he returned to Yorkton, SK., but worked at Mighty Mike's in Wroxton, SK. On October 05, 1962 he married Wilma Petruniak and they had two children Lori and Dale. In 1967 they moved to Pine Point, N.W.T. where he worked in the Cominco Mine on the shovel crew until 1974. In the fall of 1974 he moved to Fort McMurray, AB. and started work at (GCOS) Suncor. During this time he worked in the Truck Shop on the Wabco diesel electric 150 ton, LW75's and Letourneau loaders. He also spent time on the rebuild bench working on air and brake systems. In 1982, he became a field mechanic, where he worked on everything from Lister light plants and generators to various Cat equipment, 777's and Wabco 150 ton trucks. In 1990 he joined the Shovel crew. He worked on the 225 & 235 DeMag shovels and in the later years he spent time on the 54 yard Bucyrus and 56 yard P & H shovels. From 2000 until he retired in 2008 he did expediting work. He made sure parts and materials were at the job sites. Where he did job set ups and take downs. During this 35 year period of time he worked with people from all over the world. In 1988 he met his best friend and love Ann Sitko. They enjoyed traveling across Canada and the States visiting family and friends, and sight-seeing, for over 22 years. Harry enjoyed having his children and grandchildren living near him, especially when they would greet him coming home from work or they would mail letters to him in the mail chute. In his younger years he enjoyed playing hockey, baseball and hunting, but later on he enjoyed dancing, fishing, camping, CBing, Elks, and the Golden Years Society. He was predeceased by his parents Fredrick and Hazel, and a brother Alvin. He is survived by his love Ann Sitko, daughter Lori (Regan) Bodnarchuk, son Dale, grandchildren Chance, Desiree, Syrina Bodnarchuk, his brother Robert (Pat) Austin, sister Olive (Ernie) Corroll, sister-in law Jane Austin. Funeral Service was held on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Milo Spooner Craig of St. Andrew's United Church officiating. The organist Amanda Buhler led in the singing of the hymns. The interment followed in the Garden of Memories Columbarium with Chance Bodnarchuk serving as the urn bearer. Condolences to the family may be forwarded to baileysfuneralhome@sasktel.net Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens