Brunswick-Bruce Austin, (also affectionately known as "Brut!,” and
"Bump,”) passed away peacefully on April 21st, with his wife and daughters by his
side.
He was born in Brunswick,
on April 15,1935, to Margaret and Earle Austin. Tragically, a few months after
his birth, his father drowned during a fishing trip, leaving him to be raised
by his mother and his extended family, including aunts and uncles, and his
special cousin Sookie Varney. His mother
later married Harold Warming, and several years later,
his sister Tina, was born. On December 29, 1962, he married Annette Bourgette;
they were known for being great dancers together, particularly when
jitterbugging. With their two daughters,
summers were enjoyed at Bruce’s parents’ home in Harpswell where swimming,
horseshoes, and "tea time,” became traditions.
Even more so, Bruce loved spending time with family and close friends at
Popham Beach, where they rented camps for many years.
Bruce attended local
schools, graduating from Brunswick High School in 1953, where he excelled in
track, holding
the discus record for several decades. After high school, he briefly attended the
University of Maine, Orono; ultimately returning to the family business,
Warming’s Market/IGA, where he had worked as a teen, and later assumed
ownership in 1975, retiring in
2000.
He was a huge fan of
Boston sports teams, including the Boston Celtics, especially in the 60s, 70s
and 80s; the Red Sox, and the New England Patriots (shortly after hearing Gronk
went to Tampa Bay to be with Brady, he literally took his last breath). As a result of his
daughter attending Syracuse University, he became a fan of the Orangemen’s basketball team, rooting them to win a national championship in 2003.
Bruce was a member of the
Brunswick Elks Lodge, #2043 as well as the Kora Shriners.
Bruce is survived by his
beloved wife of 57 years, Annette. Together they built their life in Brunswick,
for many years living on Magean Street, running the store and raising a family.
Additional survivors include a son, Earle Rice, wife Liz, and
grandchildren Christopher, Brian, and Sarah, of Tulsa, OK; daughter, Patti Johnson and her
partner, Tim May of North Yarmouth; daughter, Susan Austin, husband Matt Cromarty, and granddaughter, as
well as "Bump’s,” biggest fan, Leah, of Westbrook; and special family member,
Laura Miller, of Tenants Harbor. He also leaves his sister
Tina Warming Lichtenberg of Harpswell, niece Elizabeth Leclerc, her husband, Chris, and their children Dana and
Grace.
Bruce was a quintessential
Mainer with a dry wit, mischievous smile, and love of family and friends.
In keeping with his
traditional salutation, upon any departure, "See You in Church!!”
In light of the recent
pandemic, there can be no funeral service at this time. A graveside service will be held at a later
date. Bruce was a lifelong animal lover
from his childhood dog, Sally, to many cats and dogs since; therefore in lieu
of cards/flowers, donations, in his name, would be appreciated at Mid Coast
Humane, 190 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, ME 04011.
Arrangements are by
Stetson’s Funeral Home 12 Federal St. Brunswick where memorial condolences may
be expressed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com
For My Bruce ~
When you came in to my life, I knew that
something special was happening. I fell
in love with you quickly and when you told me that you loved me, there was no
looking back. You were the best husband,
and father to two special daughters. You
had a crazy sense of humor and laughter was always a part of our life. You told me that you loved me more than once
every day. We shared that love for each
other and with our girls. In our later
years, they have taken good care of us.
I already miss you, but I have our 57 years together to remember how
blessed my life with you has been. I
will never stop loving you.
Until We Meet Again,
Shulm