Donald Austin

Donald “Ted” Austin, 76, of Brook Road in Concord passed away at home early Saturday morning, March 17, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

Ted was born in Granby, Vermont on September 13, 1941 to Stephen and Leah (Shores) Austin. He was educated in Granby and Concord schools, graduating from Concord High School with the class of 1959.  At an early age, maybe 14 or 15, he started driving truck for his father and, at the same time, worked on the radar base at East Mountain.  He then moved on to work at Caledonia Construction during the summers and for Washburn Lumber in the winters.  He later worked for his brother Steve building bridges. Ted was proud of his work on the construction of Interstate 91 running heavy equipment including the loader, crane, and dozers.

On November 1, 1969, he married Frances Roberta Ash; they moved into their house on Brook Road in 1972.  Later on Ted went to work for himself with Fran as DF Austin & Son Trucking, doing everything associated with the woods, as well as all his own vehicle maintenance.

Ted was a member of the Concord Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years as well as being a forest fire warden for a number of years. He was also a member of the Concord Community Church. Ted enjoyed his time at camp, hunting and fishing. He liked to keep up on sports and car racing. He loved dancing with Fran; his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren were a very important part of his life.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Fran Austin of Concord; a son Danny Austin and wife Charity of Concord; three daughters: Theresa White and husband Jeff of Athol, Mass; Vicki Morehouse and husband Ceylon, Sherri Fournier and husband Chris; his son in law Brian Fenoff  all of Concord; a brother Stephen E. Austin and wife Carole of Concord; two sisters: Joyce Willey of Lancaster, NH, and Hilda Lazott and husband James of Lunenburg; eight grandchildren: Travis Morehouse, Mindy Windrow, Danielle Balch, Chelsea Fournier, Marcel Fournier, Callie Austin, Mark Austin, and Skye Elliott; six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

Ted was predeceased by a daughter Dawn Fenoff and a great-grandson Wyatt Morehouse.

The family will receive friends at the Sayles Funeral Home on Thursday, April 5 from 6-8 p.m.

Memorial services will be held at the Concord Community Church on Friday, April 6 at 11 a.m. with the Pastor Josh Abetti officiating.

Memorial contributions could be directed to either: The Concord Community Church PO Box 292, Concord, VT 05824, or to Caledonia Home Health (marked for ‘Hospice’), 161 Sherman Dr., St. Johnsbury VT 05819.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com.