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I enjoyed a rewarding correspondence friendship with Austin.
When he first posted on Pistolsmith a few years ago, I felt a real rush of exitement to know he was still with us. Not long after that, he contacted me via Email and we have stayed in touch since then. I too have been the lucky recipient of several packages and letters from Austin; I really felt fortunate that he was so generous with me in terms of sharing pictures, articles, experimental parts, drawings and even a few tools. He loved his work and I know he wished he could get back into it, and, in fact, he did have a few things in the works.
I think that sharing his pictures, stories, and views on things with many of us gave him great satsifaction, and it was a way of continuing his involvement in the gun industry. He liked sharing articles written about him, and although he was (ever so rightfully) proud of his career as a gunsmithing pioneer, showing the articles was never bragging. It was Austin just sharing a little piece of history that he knew well, because he had made it. One thing I never did hear from Austin was a single harsh word about anyone. Apart from his abilities and contributions to our collective cherished passtime, he was just plain a good man.
I admired him so when I first started reading about him. In those days, I never dreamed that I might be able to someday call him friend, and be the beneficiary of his always-good advice. I count myself as one lucky gunsmith to have been noticed by the guy who, more than any other, inspired my interest in working on guns.
The day I met him is clear as a bell to me, even though I was so excited. He and his crew had set up at Second Chance, and I had him throat my .45. I was no gunsmith, but I knew something of how things were made and done, so as he worked on my gun, I tried to impress him with what I thought I knew. I was using some SuperVel ammo that year (1980), and I got his autograph on the box end. I still have that in my collection.
Now come the days on end of kicking myself. I had been looking for a chance to visit him, and Austin and I had talked about it, but-- it kept not happening. I deeply regret that I did not make the time; I knew what the result of procrastinating would be, and now the result is on me like a ton of bricks.
Austin, I will miss you personally, and we the smithing and enthusiast communities will feel the loss of you. Thank you for your contributions and your kindness, your wisdom and your wit. When we meet again, I will still have some questions, and I will bring along a piece or two for your critique.
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