Michael Marvin Aust

Michael Marvin Aust passed away on May 24, 2025, at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center – Parnassus, after a courageous battle with melanoma. He was surrounded by his partner, James, his best friend, Ingrid, and his family. During his illness, Michael actively participated in clinical trials that will contribute to future cures and improved treatment options for others.

Michael was born on February 17, 1969, at Auburn Faith Hospital in Auburn, California. He was the third son of Janet Aust (Shupe) and Allen Aust, joining his brothers Brian and Chris at the family home in Newcastle. He graduated from Placer High School in 1987 and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Chico State University. He became a licensed Certified Public Accountant and maintained his credentials for many years.

Professionally, Michael worked primarily in enterprise resource planning—implementing, managing, and consulting on financial systems for both startups and established businesses. His intelligence, meticulousness, and excellent interpersonal skills were key to his success.

Michael met James Wevley shortly after James moved to San Francisco in 2002, and together they built a beautiful life over the next 23 years. In 2021, they settled in Sonoma, a place of peace away from his many decades of urban life.

Michael was intentional in creating a balanced and full life. He remained curious and open to learning new skills, crafts, and hobbies—and he could truly fix anything. In his early years, he enjoyed woodworking and crafted several beautiful pieces of furniture. He was also passionate about photography, even setting up a darkroom in the family home.

He trained with a personal fitness coach three times a week for nearly 15 years, eventually achieving an advanced level of strength and fitness—at one point dead-lifting nearly 300 pounds. In Sonoma, he found joy in the gym, riding his e-bike, and with a good glass of wine (usually, in that exact order). In recent years, he began learning to play piano, focusing especially on jazz and Chopin.

Michael had an incredible ability to read a room and respond with grace and poise. He was always polished, composed, and deeply perceptive. A gifted storyteller—both in person and in writing—he could recount an experience in such vivid detail that you felt you’d lived it with him. His irreverent, snarky sense of humor was beloved by all who knew him.

Michael is survived by his partner, James Wevley; his brother, Brian Aust, and wife, Dee; his brother, Christopher Aust, and wife, Rebecca, and their children, Landen and Lauren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Aust and Janet Aust.

A graveside service will be held on June 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Newcastle Cemetery, 850 Taylor Road, Newcastle, California.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Michael’s name to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.