Passed peacefully, at NHS-St. Catharines Site on Friday, February 10, 2023, at the age of 88. Beloved husband of the late Olga Grimaldi and stepfather to Angela (Robert) and Richard (Rozemary). Pops of Sabina, Ryan, Julianna, Kristina, Diana, Richie and Jonah. Great-grandfather to Elyas and Darius.
Austin had a long and award-winning career as a Sound Rerecording Engineer in both movies and television for many decades. His attention to detail made him a sought-out person for this role and led to him having contacts with many high-profile entertainment figures. His career involved working with the directors and producers closely to ensure the sound exactly aligned with the picture, and sound effects were incorporated at exactly the correct moment.
He grew up in Toronto in the Leaside area. For many years his passion was the cottage he constructed in Port Severn starting in the 1960’s. In those days you could purchase land no one had ever built on and he was involved in all aspects of its construction, including towing trailers full of concrete block up from Toronto in his Oldsmobile 442 Cutlass Convertible.
Austin was always interested in technology and could be counted on to have the latest products years before anyone else. He purchased the first movie available on VHS tape in the 1970’s and was experimenting with digital audio in the early 1990’s. He was always innovating with the latest technology and how it could improve the sound projects that he was overseeing. Complimenting his role in the movie business he had an extensive collection of movies.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 on Monday, February 13 at Considerate Cremation and Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines. Funeral Mass will be held at 12 pm on Wednesday, February 15 at St. Clement Roman Catholic Church, 409 Markland Drive, Etobicoke. A private family interment will follow Park Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to NHS Foundation would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street and Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca