William Locke Whitney Austin

William Locke Whitney Austin (August 3, 1936-February 24,2020) was born to David Lee Austin II and Anne Whitney Austin in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Gretchen, his brother David Lee Austin III, his sons and their wives, John and Debra, of Seattle, Stephen and Dana, of Colorado Springs, and Carter and Heidi, of Los Angeles. He is survived by his grandchildren Carter (Alex), Brett (Brittany), Mark (Bre), Laura (Rich), Kawika and Skye. He was blessed with great-grandchildren Colin, Lauren, Audrey, and Hanna expected this fall.

Bill was born and raised in Hawaii where his family lived on the face of Diamond Head on Makalei Place. From his home, Bill witnessed the infamous attack of Pearl Harbor.

In 1955, Bill graduated from the prestigious Punahou School.  After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country proudly, rising to the rank of Sergeant. While in the Marines, he carried the American flag for the Color Guard and swam competitively for the Marine Corps Swim Team.

While serving he was based at Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Station where he met his future bride, and the love of his life, Gretchen Bach. Gretchen was teaching at Punahou School where Bill's younger brother, David, was a student in her sixth grade class. Young David played matchmaker and invited his teacher to the Marine Corp Parade at Kaneohe Marine Air Station. He planned on introducing his big brother to his teacher, Gretchen. After the parade, Bill came over to his parents and brother to meet Miss Bach. The rest is HISTORY!!!

Bill and Gretchen were married on August 22nd 1959, shortly after they bought a home on Cambridge Street, where Bill became known as “the biggest kid on the block.” The family began to settle and grow into a tightly-knit neighborhood of lifelong friends, known to this day as “The Cambridge Street Gang’.

Bill pursued a career in teaching where he taught at Penngrove Elementary School for 26 years. Former students credit “Mr. A” with influencing and inspiring them to pursue higher education.  During his teaching career he was lucky enough to be a multi generational teacher, being an example and support to many of his students in the community. He also enjoyed coaching the local swim team, The Novato Aquanauts.

During his years of retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his lovely wife Gretchen.

Bill will be remembered fondly as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, honorable Marine Corp veteran and inspiring teacher.

His Legend will live on forever in our hearts!

Semper Fi Marine. Your Mission is Complete. We now have the Watch.

Note: In lieu of flowers, Bill's wishes are for a donation to be made in his honor to your favorite charity.