Austin Irwin Blondon

With heavy hearts, we regretfully announce the passing of Austin I. Blondon. Surrounded by his loving family, Austin passed peacefully away at home on December 1, 2017.

Austin was born and raised in Truro. A gifted athlete and academic, Austin was awarded scholarships to attended Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB. After studying at Mount A from 1964-1966, he went on to complete his Bachelor of Engineering Degree at TUNS in 1969. Upon graduation he was awarded the Robert F. McAlpine Scholarship to study for his Masters of Engineering. Austin began his career with Bell Canada in Ottawa, in 1970. In 1974, he accepted a position with Maritime Tel and Tel in Nova Scotia. His career with MT&T/Aliant included various Management positions in communities throughout the province including New Glasgow, Sydney, and Halifax. He enjoyed his many years working at MT&T/Aliant and cherished the many friendships he cultivated with his colleagues and employees. Austin greatly enjoyed athletics. Over the years, he was involved in Bowling leagues, Curling Leagues and his most favourite game-golf. He was a member at Brightwood Golf Club for many years, golfing several times a week with his regular crew. The past 10 years he also enjoyed winter golf at Stoneybrook Golf Club in Estero, Florida. Austin was a Rotarian and valued his many years of service to the Bedford/Sackville Rotary Club. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow for his contributions to Rotary International.

After his retirement in 2000, Austin was blessed to travel extensively with his wife, Brenda, and a large group of special friends. Together they travelled to many locales in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, South Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand and beyond. The experiences he had with his travelling crew were very near and dear to him and made up a very significant part of his life. The people he travelled with were more than friends to him, they were family.

Austin was a loving father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family above all else. He had exceptionally close relationships with his 6 grandchildren and was a devoted husband and father. His family will miss his patient nature, his wise guidance and his humour. They will cherish the many beautiful memories.

Austin was predeceased by his parents, Irwin (“Blondie”) and Mary; brother, Brian; mother and father in-law, Robert and Lorena Hall; sister-in-law, Olive Hall; brother-in-law, Charlie Richardson. Austin is survived by his devoted wife, Brenda; son, Chris (Jodi); daughter, Kelly (Jean) Genier and his cherished grandchildren; Owen, Luke, and James Genier, Isabella, Sophie, and Lily Blondon. Austin also survived by his sister, Eleanor; brother, Bernie (Tammy); sister-in-law, Carole Richardson; brother-in-law Bob (Shirley) Hall, and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

During his recent illness, Austin received exceptional care at home from the Oncology team, VON, Continuing Care, and Palliative Care. Special thanks to sister-in-law Carole (Tootie) Richardson who was by his side helping to care for him at home with Brenda these past months leading to his passing. Words cannot express how grateful we are for your loving care.

Visitation will occur Thursday, December 7, from 7-9 pm, and funeral service Friday, December 8, at 11 am at J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Rev. Mr. Michael Lynch officiating.

Family Flowers only. Gifts in recognition of Austin’s life may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.