Obituary: Austin, Judge (Retired) Robert David
Age 68
Bob was born in Spokane, WA, on October 8th, 1944, at Sacred Heart Hospital to Ralph and Theresa Austin, who lovingly raised him as an only child.
Bob graduated from Gonzaga Prep in 1962 and went on to graduate from Gonzaga University in 1967 with a degree in Political Science.
During this time Bob also served six years in the Army National Guard as a Drill Sergeant.
While at Gonzaga, Bob met Beverly Cunningham and they married in May of 1968.
Together they raised four beautiful and accomplished children, Marc (1970), Derek (1971), David (1973), and Jennifer (1978).
Bob went to Law School at Gonzaga University and graduated with a J.D.
in 1971.
During his time at Gonzaga, Bob was proud to clerk for Judge Willard Roe in Spokane County Superior Court #1, where he would later serve himself for over 20 years.
After Law School, Bob practiced Family Law in the Spokane Valley for over 11 years.
In 1988, Bob was appointed as a Court Commissioner where he honorably served from 1982-1988.
In 1988 Bob won election to the Spokane County Superior Court #1, a position he would hold until he retired at the end of December, 2008.
Bob was well respected in the legal community, and was known for harmless pranks and a keen sense of humor.
Bob loved a spirited discussion and was always challenging his family to debate ethics, law, and morality at the dinner table.
Bob was a reasonable and pragmatic person who brought great skills and expertise to his career.
Bob had a passion for the law.
In July of 2006, Bob married his second wife, Robin, who brought great joy to him in retirement as they travelled frequently to France and Ireland.
Bob loved Ireland so much that he became a dual citizen in 2011.
Bob also loved to hunt, fish, golf, and boat.
He spent long summers at Rockford Bay with his family and friends and was particularly fond of fireworks on 4th of July.
He was happiest and proudest when he was surrounded by his family.
Bob is survived by his wife, Robin, his four kids Marc (Dawn), Derek (Yuko), David (Heidi), and Jennifer Lewis (Sam), stepdaughter Amanda Nolan (Brian), and his first wife Beverly Austin.
Bob also had many grandkids; Ben and Luke Austin of Seattle, Jack Austin of Spokane, Joelle and Charlie Lewis of Seattle, and Isabella Nolan of Spokane, all of whom he loved dearly.
Friends are invited to join the family for a Memorial Mass to celebrate Bob’s life at 3pm on Saturday, December 1st, at the Gonzaga Prep Chapel with a reception immediately following.
Bob would want thoughts of joy, not sadness.
He’d want to be remembered by acts of love, compassion, and understanding to all life.
He believed God is in all, and in God there is only love, compassion, and understanding.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the 2nd Harvest Food Bank.
Please visit Bob’s on-line memorial at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements entrusted to: