Ian Austen

Ian Austen passed peacefully on May 22, 2026, in his 80th year, the son of Arthur Kenneth Austen and Marion (Molly) Biggar Austen. While known to be down to earth, thoughtful, and a problem solver, Ian excelled in being a self-taught learner which enabled him to be creative and innovative in his career and personal life.

Ian had several burning passions one of which was his belief in creating accessible and lifelong learning opportunities. After graduating from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) with a Bachelor of Design in Visual Communications, he served for ten years as the Director of Extension Services at NSCAD and was the first Chairperson of the Craft Division. He was a founding member of Metro Council on Continuing Education and active in the Atlantic Provinces Association for Continuing University Education. Later, Ian combined his interest in adult education and visual communications to support positive learning experiences and creative use of current technologies. He taught computer skills in private trade schools, operated computer and photography businesses, and was Director of the Online Learning Centre at St. Francis Xavier (StFX) University. Before retiring in 2012, Ian served as Senior Media Specialist, providing oversight of educational technology and production of major events for StFX University.

Another passion was his love of nature, animals, and the outdoors. It began as a youth with summers spent on his Uncle Gordie’s and Uncle Bob’s farms and riding with the Halifax Bengal Lancers, winning awards in dressage. He was at a Lancer’s camp when his rescued his first dog, Chum. This was followed by three Irish Setters and many other dogs and cats who were an integral part of the family. His dream of living on the land was realized when he purchased 156 acres in Rocky Mountain, NS, with a sugar bush, a river, and back country roads for exploring with his beloved Land Rover. He lived there for over 30 years with his partner, Peggy Mahon, where they and their daughters operated their maple syrup business, Rocky Mountain Maple; grew blueberries; and looked forward to hearing the spring peepers, watching the massive night sky on summer nights, swims in the river, and hiking and cross country skiing through the woods.

Perhaps his greatest passion was his love of family and community. He cherished the seasonal family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving with apple picking and cider making. He enjoyed the spontaneous community gatherings at the sugar house when the steam from the boiling sap escaped high into the spring air. He never missed an opportunity for visits with neighbours in Rocky Mtn. and Halifax and savoured the community connection while working in the Garden of Eden Fire Tower. Ian was deeply interested in the Austen family history which he traced back to Ireland and their arrival in Halifax in the 1770s.

Ian developed a strong interest in social justice and public affairs through involvement in the debating society, model parliament, and model United Nations in high school. As a lifelong social democrat, he served on committees and the executive of the provincial New Democratic Party, the Pictou County constituency association, and the Central Nova riding association.

In retirement, he served on the Board of Governors of NSCAD University and was named an Honorary Life Member of the Board in 2017. He was chairperson of the Property Committee for the church of his youth, St Matthew’s United Church in Halifax, and served on the Point Pleasant Park Advisory Committee for Halifax Regional Municipality.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Peggy Mahon, daughters Maggie Austen (Stephen Cool), San Jose, CA; and Jennifer Austen (Corey Tucker), Hopewell, NS., step-daughters Melanie Colwell (Stacey Colwell), Bridgewater, NS; and Katy Mahon (Veracruz Junior Roman Espinal), Dartmouth, NS; as well as his grandchildren/step grandchildren: Matthew, Jamie, Milo, Lexi, Haley, Kyle, Ella, Luke, Mason, and Lucas; his mother, Marion (Molly) Austen, brother Alec, sister Cathie Wannamaker (Mark), nephews Robert and Grant, and cousins in Ontario and Hants County. Ian is predeceased by his first wife, Jackie McMahon and his father Arthur Kenneth Austen.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday May 28, 2026, at St. Matthew’s United Church, 1479 Barrington Street, Halifax.

Ian’s family wish to thank his health care team including Hospice Halifax, family physician, oncologist, palliative care, nurses, continuing care, and VON for their expertise and support during his courageous journey with cancer. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Hospice Halifax would be appreciated.