Austin MacPhee

Obituary of Austin MacPhee

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.&p; 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.
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