Nelson C. Austin, 95, Canton

CANTON -- Nelson C. Austin, 95, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024. He was a resident of the Town of Canton.

Nelson was born March 23, 1929, in Pyrites, the son of Harold and Florence (Enslow) Austin.

He married Laura M. Childs at Kendrew United Methodist Church on June 30, 1953. Laura predeceased him in 1994.

Nelson was drafted into the US Army, serving stateside and in Korea during the Korean Conflict.

Upon discharge, he held a number of positions as a heavy equipment mechanic and operator and Merchant Marine Engineer, working during the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge.

In 1966, Nelson began a 17-year career as a Senior Chief Engineer with the Navigation Division, Panama Canal Company.

He had numerous adventures and gained many life-long friends in Panama. Upon retirement in 1983, Nelson and Laura returned to St. Lawrence County.

He helped care for his elderly parents, built a new home, and had an excavating business.

Nelson was a true North Country Sportsman. He tremendously enjoyed fishing, hunting (especially deer hunting) and trapping. He enjoyed hunting on his property in more recent years. 

He was highlighted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in 2023 as the oldest hunter ever to harvest a black bear.

He is survived by a daughter, Elaine Vandenburgh of Ballston Spa; a son, Paul (Nancy) Austin of Maryland; a sister, Barbara Johnson of Ogdensburg; a sister, Janet Lannan of Virginia; and a sister-in-law, Carol Austin of Hannawa Falls; four grandchildren, Lucas Vandenburgh (Meghan), Matthew Austin (Kristin), Sarah Anne Hewitt (Kyle), Christopher Austin; and one great-grandchild, Simone Hewitt, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his beloved wife, Laura and his parents, Harold and Florence (Enslow) Austin, Nelson was predeceased by a sister, Norma Jean; a sister, Alice Pike; and a brother, Edward Austin.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton, followed by his funeral service at 2:00 pm.

Burial with Military Honors will be in the Kendrew Cemetery, Kendrew Corners.

The family would like to thank the many friends and family who have showed their caring and kindness over the years.

onations in lieu of flowers may be made to a local rescue squad, Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com.

Arrangements for Nelson C. Austin are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.