Michael Matthew Austin

1961 ~ 2020
Michael Matthew Austin passed away in St. George, UT on the morning of September 2, 2020 at the age of 59 after a battle with cancer with his wife by his side. He was born March 13, 1961 to Curtis and Colleen (Clarke) Austin in Pocatello, ID. He is Survived by his wife Julie and his 6 children Taeler, Makelle, Tanner, McKenna, Addison and Tate and grand-daughter Berlynn.

After graduating from Burley high school in 1979 he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Hawaii from 1980 to 1982. His experiences in Hawaii helped shape him into the compassionate and Christlike man he became. Mike’s relationship with his Savior instilled a deep sense of spirituality in each and every one of his children. Upon returning from his mission he chose to continue his education at Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he met the love of his life, Julie Waltemeyer. While Julie may have initiated the chase, Mike was quick to express his love for her for all the world to see (much to the chagrin of his children).

He obtained a Bachelors of Food Service and Nutrition degree from BYU-Provo in 1987 and an MBA in 2013. After college, Michael spent his career in the culinary industry with most of his time spent working for Intermountain Healthcare’s food service department as a Food Systems Manager and eventually the Director of Food and Nutrition. Mike was a wonderful chef and enjoyed spending time in the kitchen pouring love into everything he cooked. While working in the hospital, his omelette bar antics earned him articles in the local paper. In his own kitchen he was compassionate and selfless as well; his Thanksgiving table was always overcrowded. Mike was an incredible vocalist and musician, and passed that legacy onto his children. He performed, led and volunteered for countless community and church services. His favorite time of year was Christmas and his annual multi-stake Christmas concert was well known throughout the state.  Mike was a die-hard Cougar fan and multi-sport season ticket holder. He never hesitated to let Ute fans know exactly how he felt.

We will miss his dry sense of humor and quick wit dearly.