Austin Emerson Layne was born on February 21, 1939, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Lomax and Viola Layne. He had a profound sense of humor and would often joke with family that he was "number one" because he was the first child of his parents.
His education was in the Boston Public Schools system where he enjoyed participating in sports. In 1957, he graduated from Boston Technical High School where he excelled in track and field with a focus on the 880 relay and high hurdles. After graduation, he attended Wentworth Institute where he honed his crafting skills for drafting with a specialty in tool and die making. This skillset became his lifelong work until his retirement.
Austin was a man of faith who spent a lifetime actively serving his community. He was committed to being his brother's keeper. From the time of his childhood, he faithfully attended the Church of Saint Augustine and Saint Martin and served on the church's Vestry as a Junior Warden and Treasurer. He was well known for giving rides to those in need, shoveling the snow at the church – clearing a path for the parishioners and offering his service wherever and whenever regardless of the time of day or night, for the church and the local community. Austin worked tirelessly, heavily involved in the church’s youth programs to build up children of all ages and to invest in their future.
He was a member of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) where he advocated, organized, and participated in events to promote social, economic, and racial justice for low-income communities. For fun, Austin loved to bowl. He enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie bowling provided. Enjoying this activity for approximately 55 years he was one of the original members of the Electrons bowling league.
Austin was preceded in death by his parents, Lomax and Viola, his sister Helen, his brother Richard, and his nephew Michael. He has left a lifetime of fond memories for his beloved partner Ethel, his brother Winston (Martha), his sister Patricia, his sister-in-law Jean, his niece Tonisha (Robert), his great nephew Marqis, his great, great nephew Carter, his goddaughter Faith and countless family, loved ones, friends, and colleagues.
A Memorial Service will take place in the Episcopal Church of Saint Augustine and Saint Martin, 29 Lenox Street Boston Saturday March 1st at 11 am. Burial to be held privately.