Rodney Merlin Austin

Rodney Merlin Austin unexpectedly passed away October 8, 2026, while out working on his property. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and deep connections with those he encountered. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Rodney was born in Lewiston, Maine on December 19,1948, he was the son of the late Ralph Merton and Alma (Hanscom) Austin. He grew up in Norway, Maine on a farm on Pikes Hill attending area schools till his graduation in 1968 from Oxford Hills High School. After taking business classes, he worked throughout the 1970's in retail management at Fayva Shoe and later a sales position for Barry Springer Insulation. In the 1980's he moved on to self employment when he purchased Russco Insulation before starting his own business, Rodney Austin Construction.

He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife Linda Louise Blier whom he married on November 17, 1979. The day before the wedding, they purchased a home in Wales, Maine, which Rod immediately set to maintaining, renovating, and expanding. These efforts continued right up to the day he passed. He often asserted that working on his property to better his property was his favorite way to spend time and that he only worked away from home to be able to afford working at home. His pride in his wife and their home is reflected in the beautiful, well kept property it has come to be.

Rodney is best known for his boundless energy and kindness, he is well appreciated and respected for being a tireless, unselfish worker. He always asked for less than he gave and always gave more than was expected. He was generous with his time, constantly, often without being asked, volunteering to assist someone in need no matter how small or huge the need. His ability to bring comfort and relief to people he supported was unparalleled, and was a gift that touched many lives.

Rod had an affinity for all things wood, and things in the woods. Rod was an accomplished finished carpenter. He spent his professional life building with lumber. He would spend as much time as he could out in the woods maintaining and nurturing healthy forest and tree growth, most often bringing home a load or two of firewood to feed the two wood stoves he kept going most of the year.

Rod's personal spirit shone brightly through his hobbies and interests. He enjoyed long hikes around his property with his dog, Missy. Fishing, 4-wheeling and snowmobiling were his passions when he could go away with friends and family. He was an avid puzzle builder which showed his patience and keen sense of order; he believed there was a particular set of rules to making puzzles. He collected a phenomenal number of puzzles over the years. As he was able to "retire" , he enjoyed reading many types of books that he collected from a wide range of options. He was proud to be a card carrying member of the Cumston Public Library in Monmouth.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years - Linda Blier-Austin. His siblings and their children; brother James Swett and wife Ilene, sister Beth Baysinger and husband Larry, brother David Austin and wife Nanette, and his sister Aleta DeChira

He is also survived by wife Linda's family and their children; father Aurele Blier, Sister Deborah Lachance and husband Ronald, brother Paul Blier and wife Lori, and sister Rebecca Blier-Hayward.

Though he had no surviving children, he developed an especially close relationship with his god daughter, Aimie Rasmussen, her husband Aaron and their daughter Sophia.

He was predeceased by his parents and an infant son, Rodney Merlin Austin, Jr.

Rod's family wishes to thank everyone who shared condolences, kind words of encouragement and cherished memories of Rod.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you continue Rod's legacy of kindness and service by paying it forward; offer comfort to family, friends or neighbors in need.

In the words of Rodney always remember "You can't make this shit up" and "You can't fix stupid".