Local health advocate and youth mentor Willie Austin has died. He was 55.
Austin was a former Washington Husky football player and a world powerlifting champion. He ran a gym and mentoring program for young people in downtown Seattle.
Austin formed the Austin Foundation to provide youth with access to fitness and nutrition.
"It got kids off the street, and put them in a safe place. He mentored them and it changed their life completely," said friend Bull Stewart.
In the past, Rick DuPree served on the board of the Austin Foundation.
"It helped kids understand through fitness that they could change their lifestyle. It built self esteem. They saw their grades improve. It gave them hope," said DuPree.
Mark Bryant said he was among the many people inspired by Austin.
"I loved the man and I miss him. I hope his family gets the blessings they need to get through this," said Bryant.
Faith Ireland, a Former Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court, provided King 5 with this statement about Austin's passing:
"Willie Austin was a major influence in my life and those of countless youth and adults. He helped me heal after 15 years of back pain, and inspired me to become an international competitive powerlifter. I was President of the Austin Foundation and saw up close how much he dedicated to at-risk youth. My heart goes out to his wife."
The cause and manner of Austin's death is still pending, according to the Medical Examiner's office.
"He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that." JS Mill
I met Willie in 1986. At the time, we were both climbing the competitive powerlifting ladder in the 220lb. wt. class in the Northwest. I liked Willie right away. He had been a U of Wash. football player and had an outgoing, gregarious personality. His gift of gab was not one of a braggadocio, but more of a self confidant, humorous nature. He wasn't self-absorbed. He would always acknowledge what you were doing and build you up. At the same time, he would let you know he was training right there with you not trying to keep up, but to pass you by. He wanted to be the best. Through the late 80's, we developed a mutual respect for one another as lifters and as peers in the fitness industry and more importantly, a friendship was developing. Willie went on to become a National Champion and in the early 90's he won the WDFPF World Championship at 220lbs. His 777lb squat, is still a USAPL Wash. State Record. Not long after winning the Worlds, Willie retired from competitive lifting. He was in his prime at the peak of his lifting career. He decided to devote his time and energy into coaching and helping others achieve their goals. I sat back and admired this move. Part of me envied him for being so satisfied and content with what he had accomplished. I think there must be some great inner peace of mind to be that content. That was 20 years ago and I'm 50 years old and still chasing that competitive tail.
Just because he wasn't competing anymore didn't mean he became idle retiring to a rocking chair, or a bar stool somewhere telling stories of how great he used to be. What he did do, was become involved in a variety of fitness and coaching activities. His involvement with Seattle youth and fitness took off in every direction. When I went to visit Willie, a usual scene in the 90's was him training several people at a time (or an entire class) and about five people standing around him in line waiting to ask him questions about their workouts. You might have to wait a few minutes, but he always found time for you.
In 1998 the gym I had been managing for 12 years was closing and I needed a new home for my own training and coaching. This led me to the Gateway Athletic Club where Willie was an owner/manager. He had also become coach, mentor, spiritual and community leader to hundreds of people. Willie welcomed me with a familiar handshake, hug and "what's up T ? " "all right now big dog!". After telling him my situation, he smiled and stuck out his hand, he said "This is going to be good, we got everyone here now." Then he wrote on the back of his business card, "Todd's going to be a powerlifting coach and help out with the Youth and Fitness Program." " Just show them this at the front desk. " That was it, no contracts, resume, paperwork, etc. Just his word and our history was enough to get me started coaching there. For the next five years, The Gateway Athletic Club was the center of Washington powerlifting and Willie was the heart of it. The thing that I'll always remember about Willie is the amazing amount of positive energy he had to give to other people. Lifters would travel from all over the state and from other states to catch some of his energy and spirit. If you were lifting and Willie just entered the room, it would add 20+ lbs. to your lifts. I heard this from dozens of people over the years.
When the Gateway closed down, Willie and I went our separate ways and he opened the Now Is Fitness Center. When I started Seattle Strength and Power, he was positive and supportive. He even donated some equipment to help me get started. He told me to keep doing what I'm doing, the Pacific Powerlifters need a gym and a coach , especially the women's team. Thank you Willie.
What Willie has accomplished and his positive influence upon people is immeasurable. His physical presence will be missed and his memory and spirit lives on. Willie passing has not sunk in with me yet, the only logical thing for me to believe is that God needed Willie with him more for some reason than we do. My heart goes out to Willie's family.
Rest in Peace my friend.
"He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that." JS Mill
He always had this gaggle of young (let's be real shall we...) thuggy street kids from his foundation, that would work his meets and lift in them as well. These guys were hands down the most respectful, enthusiastic competitors (most would bench only but whatever). AND...they were competent spotters and loaders. A rare bird in the USAPL. The guy really will be missed hugely here.
"He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that." JS Mill
Jezzy Bell wrote:Sounds like an awesome man who will be missed. RIP.
word but am waiting for Kaz to explain why he was a cheese eating porchmonkey
"That rifle on the wall of the labourer's cottage or working class flat is the symbol of democracy.
It is our job to see that it stays there." - George Orwell
Found out tonight he was a vegan for most of his adult life (would love to blame his death on that) and meditated for up to 4 hours a day. This is from a guy not prone to exaggeration. After he quit PL, adhered to a very strict regime of running, yoga and bodyweight circuit training. Still haven't found any details, basically fell asleep and never woke up. Was all into Chinese traditional medicine so it's possible he hadn't had a general check up for the last 20 years. Everyone at the gym is pretty shell-shocked. Apparently random shit doth happen.
"He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that." JS Mill
