Sweet, adventurous, very loved
Austin was not someone who sat still. There was always somewhere to go, something to see, and everything to do. He made the most out of trips to Disneyland, Las Vegas, and Oahu as a child, and spent every summer at Anini Beach diving and camping. Throughout the rest of the year, he was an all-star Pop Warner football player and Little League baseball player. He traveled around the state for a variety of tournaments throughout his youth. His eagerness to move sometimes made longer classes difficult, but he maintained good grades in school and earned his GED at just 16 years old. As an adult, his passion for adventure turned to hunting, fishing, and spending long days at the beach with his family.
Not only was Austin sharp, practical, and a natural at handiwork, he could also charm just about anyone he met. He was a talented roofer and a diligent worker, but it was his kindness and sweet personality that made him stand out. If you had somehow missed his radiant smile, you would surely not miss his loud, joyful singing and deep laugh. Austin lavished his family with his love, attention, and big hugs. He would do anything for them—including, when he was 10 years old, shave off all of his hair. His stepfather, Russell, had recently been diagnosed with leukemia and was undergoing chemotherapy, and Austin was committed to ensuring Russell did not feel alone. When Austin’s daughter, Ku’uleialoha, was born, he knew his life had changed forever. He was dedicated to being a good father and providing the best for her, no matter the cost.
Austin lived with addiction for seven years. He was no stranger to the disease, having witnessed other family members struggle with it, but this did not make substance use easier to manage. His warm, cheery personality became short-tempered and unpredictable. He refused to attend family gatherings, withdrew from his loved ones, and was in and out of jail. When he did visit them, they often argued. The last family celebration he attended was a Fourth of July celebration at the beach. Austin passed away just nine months after his daughter was born.
Austin’s family help provide and care for Ku’uleialoha, and are still processing the loss in their own ways.
“It changed us forever,” Austin’s mother, Tracy, said. “After my Austin died, our entire family broke. I have been dealing with this disorder since 2005, and I am always trying to help people understand that it is a disease.”
Austin’s mother, Tracy Fu, provided the information for this narrative.
November 13, 1994-August 20, 2021-Age 26
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Angela Day
