1955
Leonard
2020
Leonard William Austin
September 14, 1955 — May 29, 2020
Lenny was born in Bennington, VT on September 14, 1955 to Mary (Murphy) and Harold C. Austin. He grew up on Murphy Lane in White Creek where he chose to remain and raise his family. After graduating from Hoosick Falls Central School in 1974, Len worked as a cook and carpenter at Bennington College. In 1989, he left to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time dairy farmer.
Lenny was a strong-willed, dedicated, faithful, proud farmer, husband, father, and grandfather, who excelled in bettering his life on the farm, in his home and with his close-knit family.
Len married Becky, his high-school sweetheart, on October 16, 1976. Their love and devotion to each other was evident in everything they did. After Lenny's tragic farm accident in 2016, he and Becky grew closer and depended on each other more than ever as they faced the challenges of each new day. Len's determination to get back to work on the farm was an inspiration to countless who followed his journey.
The origin of Lincoln Hill Farm dates back to when Len registered his first 4-H animal at the age of 9. Second only to family, his faithful farm companions, Baxter and Fluffy, and his cows were his pride and joy. In 1989, Len rented his Uncle Edward's farm and began producing milk, where he grew the herd from 13 to 58 milking cows. In 1998, Len took a leap of faith to build his own facility which now boasts 450. This was one of his proudest accomplishments.
Lenny was well known for cow care and won many awards for his efforts. He took great pride in teaching his sons to care for and show animals, a tradition which has also been passed along to his grandchildren. A few of his most prestigious awards were Lincoln Hill to Nibbles' nomination as a finalist for Global Cow of the Year, Lincoln Hill Shot - Youngest Semen-Producing Millionaire at the time, and Progressive Herd Genetics Award (4 times). Len's greatest expectations were surpassed when he was asked to host an International Select Sire Tour.
In earlier years, Len volunteered with the White Creek Fire Department and served as a Tri-County Holstein board member.
Besides his wife of 44 years, Leonard is survived by 2 sons: Andrew (Nikki) Austin and Adam (Meggi) Austin, all from White Creek; grandchildren Raen, Alexis, Ashton, Carter and Addison; and step-grandchildren Matthew, Zackary and Molly.
Len was pre-deceased by his parents and infant twin siblings.
The Austin family would like to especially thank Rody and Jane Walker for being such wonderful friends to Lenny through the years.
Private services will be held Wednesday, June 3, from E.P. Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington VT. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad, White Creek Fire Department or Washington County Fair with memo: Leonard Austin, through E.P. Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.
Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Leonard William Austin, please visit our flower store.
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