Obituaries

Master Seaman (Ret’d) Murray Ian Austin, CD

Murray Ian Austin, age 65, of Halifax, NS, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with PTSD and depression.

Born in Simcoe, Ontario, he made his way to Nova Scotia after completing Basic Training in 1981. A proud Veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy, he served his country for 22 years as a Boatswain, retiring as a Master Seaman. His naval career included deployment aboard HMCS Athabaskan during the Persian Gulf War in the 1990s, and answering the call to serve Canada again in the Middle East during Operation Apollo following September 11. His naval service profoundly shaped his life, instilling an enduring commitment to community care, leadership, and standing up for others in their time of need.

Following his retirement from the Navy, he spent 15 years “driving in circles” with Metro Transit, followed by a dedicated route with Student Transportation of Canada (STC) driving students within the Beechville-Lakeside-Timberlea school network. He genuinely adored the kids and families he joked with every day, always returning home with warm, funny stories from his routes.

Committed to his fellow veterans, he served as President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Fairview Branch 142, for nine years and held various positions on the executive board. His greatest pride was officiating the Fairview Legion’s Remembrance Day ceremony, an honour he carried out for over a decade, ensuring every service went off without a hitch, rain or shine. He was also an active member of UN-NATO Veterans Canada, cherishing Saturday morning breakfasts, meetings, and check-ins with comrades whose unbreakable bond meant the world to him and his family.

Summers belonged to Valley R’n’R Campground in Berwick, Nova Scotia. It was his happy place—where he felt grounded, surrounded by laughter, live music, and campfire conversations. The community he built there became an extended family.

He is survived by his soulmate and best friend of 41 years, Cathy Austin; daughter, Alicia Austin (Danny LeBlanc); son, Ian Austin; sister, Linda (John) Bratkovich; brothers, Bob Austin, Darrel (Lorraine) Austin, and Gary (Diana) Austin; and his cherished aunts, Norma Buckborough and Shirley Bowen. He was a much-loved brother-in-law to Keith (Dawn) Simmons, John (Elsie) Simmons, Murray (Louise) Simmons, Michael (Ann) Simmons, Debbie Simmons, and Kirk Conrad, and a proud uncle to many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He is also survived by his loyal dog and best buddy, Radar, who brought him boundless joy and comfort over the last five years.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Lorna Austin; brother, David Austin; parents-in-law, Gerald ‘Sonny’ and Bettina Simmons; brother-in-law, Jerry Simmons; sister-in-law, Ann Conrad; and nephews, Jacob Simmons and Trevor Austin.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to his fellow veterans, Adelaide Avenue neighbours, and lifelong friends for their unwavering support throughout the years.

Arrangements:

A Celebration of Life with Legion and Veteran Group Tributes will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, with ceremonies commencing at 1:00 PM at the Royal Canadian Legion, Fairview Branch 142, 50 Hillcrest Avenue, Halifax.

Those wishing to honor his memory, may make a memorial donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 142, Wounded Warriors Canada, or a veteran support charity of your choice.

If you or a veteran you know is struggling with operational stress injuries or mental health, please reach out for support. You are not alone. Call or text 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) or contact the VAC Assistance Service at 1-800-268-7708.