David Mark Austin

David Mark Austin, son, brother, beloved husband and father returned to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on February 24, 2007. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
David was born May 4, 1959 in Oakland, California to Michael Maxfield Austin and Anita Constance Mitchell (Ortega).
David married Mary Jude Fischetti in the Washington D.C. Temple on April 15, 1982.
David is survived by his parents and wife Mary Jude Austin and children- David Mark Austin II, Amanda Brynn-Rose Austin and Braden Mitchell Austin. Brothers - Chris (Tami) Austin, Michael (Kelly) Austin. Sisters Leeann (Bill) Rooney and Lynnette (Jim) Woolf. Daughter Felicity preceded him in death.
David loved spending time with his family and friends. David had many loves; teaching, photography, sewing, baking, camping, scouting, traveling and challenges.
He attended Oberulsol International High School in Germany. While living in Germany he was called on his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and went straight to Leeds, England. After serving an honorable mission he moved to New York where his family had moved. David met his bride to be while they were both Young Adult Leaders. Together David and Mary Jude made each other whole and complete - they were a team.
David's children were his pride and joy. He loved doing activities with each one - David was never afraid to try something new, so at age 46 he took up snow boarding with Braden. He learned scuba diving and shared that with his oldest son David with whom he also bicycled down the California coast for their adventure. Amanda shares her father's passion for photography.
David craved learning and wanted to share with others what he learned, so he became a teacher. David taught Art and Photography at Hunter High School for 14 years. David was loved by students and teachers alike. He wanted his students to not only learn art and photography but to help prepare them for life. He looked forward to going to work each day and sharing what he knew with each one. David helped at various times with production of the school musicals any way he could.
David spent most of his adult life in the service of the scouting program. David exemplified the scouting creed and as he lived he influenced many more lives then he knew.
David lived a life of service. He was the first one to be there when someone was in need. David served in many positions in the Church; Seventy, Home Teacher, Gospel Doctrine teacher, member of a Bishopric, Scoutmaster, member of Young Men's Presidency.
David lived life to the fullest. There was nothing he could not do. David even tried learning Welsh. The majority of his later art was signed in his Welsh name. When they needed a larger home David learned carpentry so he could expand their home. David Mark was able to help on this project. It was a home made of love.
The holidays were always a celebration. Halloween was an event all of its own. He created a spook alley complete with music for the trick or treaters. Christmas lasted from Thanksgiving though January. The family made gingerbread houses en masse and gave them to family and friends - it became a family tradition. Christmas caroling, visiting Temple Square on Christmas Eve to see the lights and a Christmas story were highlights of the holiday. David also celebrated his Welsh side by celebrating St. David's day on March 1 with the traditional potato leek soup. Birthdays were another event. He made character cakes for his family and friends as well as homemade gifts.
His nieces and nephews called him "Uncle Bear" because he loved to hug. Off and on he had a bushy beard. Friends always knew they were welcomed and loved by his greeting.
David did more in one lifetime then most could do in one-
David will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, March 2, 2007 at the Ivins Ward Chapel 1860 South 300 East, where friends may call Thursday from 6 to 8 pm and Friday one hour prior to services. Interment at the Lehi City Cemetery.