Linda Austin

Linda is survived by her father, James Hagihara and siblings, Carol and Diane (Greg). She is also survived by numerous relatives in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Linda grew up in Nevada, Oregon, California and Colorado. She graduated from Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado with a degree in Geology. She made a lot of lifetime friends wherever she lived. She played a variety of sports growing up and in college. She was an incredible outdoors woman. What fun we had playing sports together and outdoor adventures. She had a lot of fun traveling adventures to see family, friends and work trips. She also enjoyed crafts, puzzles and cooking/baking. She was very active in her church, Community Church of the Rockies, 52 Weeks We Remember (Fire Organization), Wildland Firefighters Foundation, her community and many more organizations.

Linda had an incredible Federal career with the National Park Service and US Forest Service. She started her career with the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest and Pawnee National Grasslands. Next she was hired by Rocky Mountain National Park (Grand Lake) in the Back Country Office as BCO Supervisor. She has hiked almost every trail, ridgeline, peaks, mountains and cross-country zone in the park. She went on to Yellowstone National Park on the fire rehab crew and the YELL Heli tack crew. Next she went to Arrowhead IHC (Interagency Hotshot Crew) in SEKI (Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park). Onto Gunnison National Forest (range, wildlife & timber), squad boss for Gunnison River T2IA crew and filled in on the T6 engine (she got to see amazing areas in western Colorado). Then back to Rocky Mountain National Park as an ENGB/fire crew lead and filled in on the Alpine IHC. She finished her illustrious career back at Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest and Pawnee National Grasslands from 2002 to retiring October 31, 2022 as 653 Engine Captain!

Linda made many friends wherever she lived, went to and worked with throughout her life. She will be missed deeply by many. We will miss her beautiful/contagious smile, kind/loving presence, loving generosity and incredible sense of humor.

A Celebration of Linda's Life was held on Monday, September 11, 2023 at The AA Barn Group Picnic Site in Grand Lake. Another Celebration was held at Club Tico in Fort Collins on Sunday, October 22, 2023 for all of Linda's friends and coworkers on the east side of the divide. Linda's family is truly grateful for all those that were able to attend one of these events, those who shared memories, sent memorial contributions, or otherwise honored Linda. Cremation entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home. Linda was placed to rest with her mother, Atsuko, at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution in Linda's memory to Pathways Hospice of Northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, The Wildland Firefighter Foundation, or your favorite charity.

Memories of Linda and words of condolence for her family are welcome at www.resthavencolorado.com.