Matthew “Matt” R. Austin, 56

Matthew “Matt” R. Austin, 56, lost his battle with liver disease and mental illness during the early morning hours Aug. 8, 2023 at Mineral Community Hospital. Matt was surrounded by family and loving friends.

Matt worked at the Diamond International Sawmill in Superior under the guidance of Jerry Johnson. He worked at the mill until its closure 10 years later. This gave him the stability he needed in his life.

When health permitted, Matt enjoyed going in the woods to gather firewood and fishing. He also loved his animals, especially his dogs and cats. They were great comfort to him as his health declined.

The one big adventure Matt had in life happened when he was only 5 years old. His Dad Casey and Uncle Doug took him on horseback into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, where all three stood on top of the Chinese Wall. He remembered this trip for the rest of his life.

Matt is survived by his father, J. Casey Austin (Shari) of Stevensville, Uncle Doug Austin (Dana), of Tarkio, Aunt Anne Narramore of Clarkston, Wash., brother Brian Calhoun, of St. Regis, sisters, Christine Shepard, of Chehalis, WA, Jody Calhoun of Superior, MT, and Dana Brunssen, of Superior, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Matt was preceded in death by his mother Betty Carter and sisters Jeannie Hansen and Bonnie Lowry.

Matt’s family express their sincere and grateful appreciation for all Matt’s friends and acquaintances in St. Regis and Mineral County who watched over him and extended a helping hand on many occasions through the years. We also express our gratitude to the providers at Jack Lincoln Memorial Clinic and the Mineral Community Hospital for their excellent care and concern.

There will be a Memorial Service followed by a pot luck in the St. Regis Community Park on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at 2 p.m. We love you Matt!