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Obituary for Austen Michael Harris
Our dear son, Austen Michael Harris, age 36, left this earth surrounded by his loving family on September 30, 2016.
Austen loved sitting at Chetco Point watching the waves and sunsets. He doted on his dogs, Bella, Pepper, and his brother Forrest’s dog Bubba Fibbens. Austen always had a stash of pepperoni sticks he kept as treats for the dogs. Bella especially loved to curl up with Austen in bed and kept the other dogs away from any food.
In his youth Austen was an avid and talented guitar player, straight A student in high school, loved to swim, a great friend to his pals, could play hacky sack very well, played sports in school and cared very much for the environment.
At age 24 he had a swimming accident which resulted in a spinal cord injury leaving him paralyzed and dependent on a wheelchair. His family moved to Brookings shortly after and cared for him these last twelve years. He struggled with his paralysis and the mental anguish it caused him.
His family was important to him, family dinners on Sunday night, especially the fresh fish provided by his brother Forrest. He adored his niece and nephew Raina and River and spoiled them often with gifts. They in turn were always drawing their best pictures for him which he displayed all over his room. He met a dear friend Colleen who was his constant companion. They shared a connection of love, friendship, laughter, and she was his guardian angel.
Austen is survived by his parents, Mike and Kris Harris, brother Forrest and wife Briana, and their children River and Raina Harris.
Austen was loved ferociously by his extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmother and his best friend forever Colleen. Because Austen loved animals, the family decided in lieu of cards that donations be made in his memory to the South Coast Humane Society & Shelter, P.O. Box 7833, Brookings, OR 97415.
His family is respecting his wishes of a cremation and a scattering of ashes in a private gathering.
Austen’s spirit is free, he is happy and running on the beach, which was always his desire. Austin really liked these words of wisdom: Smile like you’ve never cried. Fight like you’ve never lost. Love like you’ve never been hurt and Live like there’s no tomorrow.
