Nathan Paul Austin

“Distinction, not separation is the mark of personality.” Nathan Austin’s distinguishing mark was a quiet introspection and an enthusiastic embrace of others. His talents as a musician exhibit many of his qualities. His compositions reveal an exceptional depth of thought and feeling. He delighted his Facebook friends by posting his jam sessions, often having a friend harmonizing his beautiful melodies. His skill as a guitarist added to the beauty of his music.

Nathan was known for his quick and easy smile, communicating calm and caring. He often gathered and united people as friends. He had many friends and held great influence in their lives, both at church and school. To Nathan a friend was defined as anyone; he did not recognize social cliques, social status or race. Nathan served as a leader in the high school ministry at Grace Covenant Church, participated in AWANA, and Mission Possible Austin. At Westwood High School he organized several Star Craft tournaments, enjoyed composing music, and was a good student. His writing was always creative and insightful. Many teachers enjoyed the spark and encouragement he contributed to their classrooms.

Friends in the neighborhood noted that whenever fun was happening on Callanish Park Drive or at Mountain View Park, Nathan was usually at the center of it. To the younger kids on the street, he was the consummate “big brother”, always willing to stop what he was doing and play a game, build a fort, throw a ball or teach them to fly. His model airplanes buzzing across the rooftops were simply part of the backdrop of any nice weekend afternoon. Nathan never had an ill word to say about anybody, and was always willing to lend a hand, to give of himself, to friends and strangers alike. Since seventh grade, Nathan’s friends have gathered at the Austin’s home on Friday afternoons, where he often played his guitar in the street well into the evening. Nathan was the guy who made ordinary events special and special events magical. He was a great friend and his neighbors will miss him deeply.

Nathan was also a gifted athlete. He was very talented at basketball, football, cross country, water skiing, and Ultimate Frisbee. Nathan loved the outdoors and enjoyed exploring in the woods with friends or family. Nathan built creatively whether woodworking, Lego, rebuilding air-soft guns, pinewood derby cars, or helping his father build a workshop or deck. In seventh grade he was the Canyon Vista tech ed student of the year.

Some words to describe Nathan: a great son and brother, charming, intelligent, faithful friend, kind, accepting, and always very polite to his friends’ parents.

Nathan loved Jesus. He and his friends often sang praises to our loving God.

Nathan was made in the image of the Living God; so we know that love conquers in this life of pain and sorrow where "The darker the night is, the nearer is the true day." Those who wait to see Nathan in the coming dawn include his parents Paul and Karen; sister Amanda, brothers Joshua and Michael, grandmother Joyce Scogin, uncles James and Russell Scogin and Clayton Austin, aunt Judith Austin, and many cousins.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to:

Town & Country Optimist Club

in memory of Nathan Austin

9100 Meadowheath Drive

Austin, Texas 78729