Burbidge Norman Mather Austin

February 5, 1952 - December, 29 2018,

Burbidge Austin was born in Leeds, England to Babs Eleanor (Mather) and Norman Burbidge Austin on the 5th of February, 1952.

He didn’t have an easy life in his early years and at the age of 6 went into a Children’s home in Witney England. He attended primary school in Witney and when old enough he was enrolled at Kingham Hill Boarding School for Boys in Kingham, England. He stayed at Kingham Hill School although he hated it. When he ran away, it was back to the Children’s home in Witney, only to be returned to Kingham Hill. He was lucky to have Sponsors, Major Victor and Beulah Newbury that would take him on Holiday when school was out. Burbidge left the Children’s Home in Witney when he was 16. He held numerous jobs that a 16 year old could get. Any money he made was spent on rent and motorcycles. His love for motorcycles and cars never ended.

In 1970, he was awarded his Certificate in Mechanical Engineering Craft Practical and Science after attending West Oxford College and passing the exams in May-June.

Burbidge was Landlord of a Nightclub in London named Burbidge’s. He eventually moved to Faringdon and became the Landlord of the Wheatsheaf Pub. While there he sponsored Rugby teams for the local town. Also one to be the first to support local charities. He was very involved in “Riding for the Disabled”. Burbidge left the Wheatsheaf and became the Landlord of “The Bear and Ragged Staff” in Stadhampton. Again he helped charities including the “Jockey Fund” for jockeys hurt in the sport of horseracing. He took care of the elderly in the small village making sure they could call the local pub for help. During this time he also was Manager and promoter for the Felix Ash Band based in Chipping Norton in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

Burbidge was blessed with two beautiful children, Mather Robert Burbidge Stephan and Chantelle Emma Louise Fia. Both of his children reside in England.

In the early 90’s, Burbidge came to visit his brother, Andrew, in Longmont. He then realized he wanted to move to the United States.

After coming to the States on a 90 day visa many times, he meet Joanne (Christensen) Steel. Joanne and Burbidge were married on December 18, 1996 by the Justice of Peace in Longmont. On July 18, 1997, they repeated their vows at a ceremony at Rinn United Methodist Church. He had a very deep faith in God and prayed and meditated in his office every morning before he started his day.

Always one for promotion, Burbidge co-hosted a radio show on Ralph 1280 called “See you at the Pub” with his co-host Buz Dabkowski.

He was the MC of the Symphony in the park for several years and was also the MC of Oktoberfest, the most memorable of which was held the weekend after 9/11. Oktoberfest went on so as not to give into terrorists by cancelling the event. It was very memorable as Burbidge stood on stage with a candle to remember the horrid event.

Burbidge was a salesman most of his life here in Longmont. He received his Certificate of Completion from the American Real Estate College L.L.C. After having a stroke in 2014 he semi retired but kept active in Longmont activities.

He sat on the Board of Longmont Downtown Development Authority for 9 years. He delighted in seeing Downtown Longmont change and loved seeing new businesses move into the LDDA District.

Burbidge became a United States Citizen on November 1, 2010 in Centennial CO. He took his responsibility of being a Citizen of the U.S. extremely seriously.

Burbidge is survived by his Wife, Joanne, His Brothers, John Nicolas Caldicott and wife Ali, Robert William Caldicott and wife Lynn and Andrew Roger Austin and wife Debra, his Son, Mather Robert Burbidge Stephan and wife Karen and daughter Chantelle Emma-Louise Fia Willis. Six Grandchildren, Finnley and Georgie Willow Austin, Makayla, Kaitlyn, and Courtney Matthews and Jacob Willis. He is also survived by numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Burbidge was preceded in death by his Parents, two Sisters, Pat (Knight) Fowler and Diana (Knight) Wetherall and a Grandson, James Mather Austin.

His charity of choice would be Therapeutic Riding or give to a charity of your choice in his honor.

Please meet us after the Celebration of his Life at the Dickens Tavern for some food and sharing memories of one hell of a great man!!!!