Funny, handsome, loving
Austin was always active and on the move. He grew up playing football, playing cards with his Gram and Aunt Louise and helping out their neighbors, and playing with the family dogs. As an adult, Austin could be found outside four-wheeling, snowmobiling, or taking joyrides down back roads. Hunting and fishing, skills he learned as a child from his father, Patrick, also kept him on the move no matter the season. An adept outdoorsman, Austin attended wildlife camp and hunting trips out of state for boar, deer, and pheasants. He took great pride in his skills, particularly when he could bring large bucks home for his family to eat. Cooking and grilling became an extension of this passion. Every year, he looked forward to salmon river fishing and ice fishing, though he usually gave these catches away. His dream was to one day become a professional fisherman and have his own fishing charter.
Everything Austin did, he did with joy, and frequently had company on his adventures. With a booming laugh, a cheeky sense of humor, and a kind heart, he could win over just about anyone. Austin had an army of friends wherever he went—and if he didn’t already have friends there, he would swiftly make some.
“Austin could make anybody laugh and was my social butterfly,” his mother, Deanna, shared. “He made friends everywhere he went. He was thriving in recovery for a short time before he passed away. So many people came up to me to tell me how Austin was the funniest guy they knew, and that he helped them in recovery.”
Austin was close with his best friend and fishing buddy of many years, Jason. When Jay moved to Maine, Austin loved visiting him and spoke about moving there someday. His family, however, was always at the center of his world. He was a loving son, brother, and uncle. He admired and looked up to his brother, Dylan, and had many adventures with his oldest brother, Michael. His bond with his sister, Ashley, was special: he was her protector, and they would do anything for each other.
In his first football game during his senior year of high school, Austin tore his ACL. Pain medication provided relief before and after surgery, but the relief was temporary. When he was no longer issued medication, he began using substances. Austin’s loving nature remained present throughout the years he lived with addiction, and Deanna supported him and shared in his recovery journey. After months in recovery, he unknowingly purchased fentanyl, and passed away from fentanyl poisoning.
“Austin had a huge heart and lots of love to give. Now, I want to educate others about fentanyl, especially children and teens in school.”
Austin’s mother, Deanna Siwek, provided the information for this narrative.
June 23, 1995-December 14, 2023-Age 28
Portrait Artist: Clayton Conner
Narrative Writer: Angela Day
