Deceased January 27, 2020
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In Memory
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Our dear friend Brian Austin passed away on Jan. 27 after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Brian was born in Pittsburgh and spent his early years in Dudley, Mass., before moving to his permanent hometown of Keene, N.H. True to his New Hampshire roots, Brian and his brothers, Gary and David, enjoyed a traditional upbringing in which academics and athletics were core family values. Brian was a natural athlete, and his love of “everything sports” developed into a passion that would shape his entire career. After a postgraduate year at Exeter, Brian matriculated to Amherst, where he majored in English, caught for the baseball team and was a member of Delta Upsilon. Upon graduation, Brian completed a master’s in sports administration at the University of Massachusetts. For his entire career, Brian continued his love of sport by working in athletic administration at Syracuse, Cornell, Transylvania and Dartmouth.
Our friendship began freshman year in Stearns, and every year since graduation we have gathered for our “Windham Open” golf outing in the Catskills. Windham is a treasured occasion for us to catch up; Brian would always lead with his family and then, inevitably, speak passionately about college athletics.
As a sophomore, Brian met Beverly Blaney ’83 in an economics class. They were married nine years later, and we will always remember Bev’s tears of joy at the altar. Family was always first to Brian; he was fiercely proud of his daughters, Sarah and Kristina, and all they have accomplished. “Austie” was admired by all who knew him for his independence, keen mind, honesty and relentless work ethic. Brian’s personality combined New England stoicism, a great sense of humor and a kind sensitivity. He was well-read and an outstanding writer. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.
John Snow ’83, Mark Fitzpatrick ’83, Jack Arena ’83 and Dave Buonfiglio ’83