Austin MacPhee
1953-2019
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Austin (AJ)
Jeremiah MacPhee announces his sudden passing on August 8, 2019 at the
Saint John Regional Hospital while surrounded by four generations of
his family. Born on July 16, 1953 in Summerside, PEI, Austin
was the son of Anne (Delaney) and the late Frank MacPhee.
Austin would faithfully call his mom each morning and they would
discuss and solve world problems. Many think that is why Austin had a
wee bald spot on the top of his head.
Two and a half years ago, Austin lost his brother
Billy. Please keep Austin’s mom in your prayers, as now she
has lost two sons and our hearts go out to her during this terribly
difficult time.
Austin leaves behind his wife Mary (Colepaugh) of 44 years of
marriage. Austin was her husband, her best friend, and the
most generous kind-hearted person that you could ever meet. Now who
will drive “Miss Daisy”. Everyone who
knew Austin has heard him speak with pride and brag about his 3
sons. His heart would expand with praise at what good people
his sons are, how well they have done for themselves, how
they are thoughtful and kind to others, and how they have great values
humbly taking no credit himself. Chris and his wife Anne
live in Kingston, ON; Craig and his wife Jill live in Moncton, NB;
Philip and his wife Katherine live in Fredericton, NB.
Austin and Mary received the honor of having Marissa, their
grand daughter, live with them a few years ago. The bond
between Austin and Marissa was filled with unbounded love.
They would pretend to drive for the mail while actually running to
grab an ice-cream or a donut, they would fish for hours,
challenge each other in cards, and he would do “the walk” to
tease her and she would get him with pranks. He texted her
once signing his name “Poopa” in error, and that name
stuck. Watch for the butterflies, Marissa.
Austin has 8 other wonderful grandchildren whom
he loved and thought of often. He enjoyed watching
as each made their own accomplishments in life. Mitch loves
to fish, has a heart of gold, and is the quiet guy who listens but is
there to give you the shirt of his back. Dom is the musical
person in the family who both writes and sings and we look forward to
sometime seeing his name in lights. Jacob also loves to fish
and will soon become a mechanic. He loves to drive and is the family
chauffeur. Madi is our raving beauty with her long black
hair and porcelain skin, passionate and smart. Riley plays
many sports and already is illustrating his thoughtfulness to
others. Chloe is a lot like her Poppa, as they both like to
read and play pranks. Brianna is the little girl who is full
of mischief and always has wonderful hugs. Lucas is only 10
months old but already he steals everyone’s heart with his sweet
smiling face. Poppa will be your guardian angel and watch
over each of you. Poppa loved you.
Austin has one brother, Rod (Brenda). They were
very close, spoke often, and had many laughs over anything and
everything. Please pray for Rod as he has lost
both his brothers. Austin is also survived by Rod’s two
children, Brent and Katelyn, and Billy’s daughter, Felice.
Austin and his uncle, Jerry, were close in age, dear in hearts, and
loved to play tricks on each other.
Austin’s sudden passing was a shock to family and
friends. Passion. Service.
Honour. These words guided Austin’s life,
dedicating himself to his family, work, and many service
organizations. Deeply into politics, he enjoyed debating the
role of government with his sons and others and has been known to
occasionally rock the boat on an issue or two. He worked for
34 years at the Customs Revenue Agency and took an early retirement at
the age of 55. We are so thankful for those 11 years that allowed him
time to share with his family. He has received many medals
and awards during his life, but the one of which he was the most proud
was the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.
Austin was president of the HRPC for many years and
deeply involved with helping it grow into the large club that it has
become today. During the past 40 years of his life, this was
his passion and played a huge part of his life. He
is well known in that community from all parts of NB and surrounding
areas for his love of the sport and the camaraderie.
A special thanks to all those who cared for Austin during his
final days. Thank you to Fr. Sheehan for anointing
Austin. A private family ceremony was held for Austin as he
peacefully left this world to join God. Thank you
to Fr. Rodrigo for praying over Austin in his last moments, thank you
to Lori from Spiritual Care for all your kindness and prayers, and to
Austin’s mom for leading prayers. We will miss you
always. There will be no wake or funeral held for Austin, as
per his request.
Donations in his memory may be made to HRPC (1-6 Church
Street, Hampton, NB E5N 5B3). Personal condolences to the
family may be made through ReidsFH.com. Thank you to those
who shared a part in Austin’s life.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Austin MacPhee 19532019..
Death notice for the town of: Hampton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick