Official Obituary of
Ernest Malbon Austin
March 5, 1943 ~ November 30, 2020 (age 77) 77 Years Old
Ernest Austin Obituary
Ernest Malbon Austin, 77, of Gray, Maine passed away on his father’s birthday, November 30 th , after a
challenging battle with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. Ernie was born to Kermit Nelson Austin and
Cecelia Liberty Austin on March 5, 1943. He was raised in North Yarmouth on the ole Liberty Family
Homestead and in Gray where he attended school. He was in the last graduating class of Pennell
Institute and was part of the Pennell Institute basketball team that won the state championship in 1961
and 1962. He attended The University of Notre Dame from 1962-1966, where he earned his Bachelor’s
Degree in Business Administration, with a major in accounting. While at Notre Dame, he was part of
Beta Alpha Psi, a Scholastic Accounting Honor Organization. After graduation, as a Certified Public
Accountant (CPA), Ernie started his career at Peat Marwick and Mitchell Co., a Big Eight international
accounting firm. He then moved on to the Dunlap Corporation, where he spent 30+ years as Controller
and Senior Vice President of Finance. Ernie also served in the United States Army, 1125 th Unit, from
1966-1972.
Through the years, Ernie was a member of several professional societies, including the National
Association of Accountants and the American Institute of CPA’s. He was Vice President and President of
The University of Notre Dame Alumni Association of Maine. He was a lifelong member of St. Gregory’s
Parish in Gray, where he served on the Finance Committee for 12 years, including being Chairman for 6
of those years. Ernie was also on the Advisory Board for the Pineland YMCA. After retirement, he
enjoyed going to Myrtle Beach for the month of March for several years. He was an avid sports
enthusiast; playing basketball, baseball, softball, golf and bowling. He enjoyed football, snowmobiling
and racing. In addition, he coached Little League and Senior League. He was part of the Cole Farms Daily
Redneck Breakfast, which included a close group of friends, who brought him joy and endless laughs.
His greatest purpose was his family. He married his hometown gal, Susan Marie Wilkinson of Gray.
They married on May 23, 1970 and celebrated their 50 th wedding anniversary this year. They had four
children who he supported and loved unconditionally. Through his example, he instilled the importance
of faith, hard work, humility, commitment & integrity. Ernie and Sue have a camp on Crystal Lake in
Gray, where they have spent every summer since 1979. Ernie is survived by his wife, Susan; his son
Brett & Erin Austin of Cumberland, his son Braden & Lindsay Austin of New Gloucester, his daughter
Blessing & Christopher Handley of Gray and his daughter Breanne & Matthew Berthiaume of
Cumberland; his 12 grandchildren Keagan, Maeve, Daelyn, Ava, Owen, Elaina, Hope, Holden, Hudson,
Cecelia, Lydia & Ezra; his brother Linwood Austin and wife Carol of Yarmouth; many nieces, nephews
and cousins. Over the years, he was lovingly referred to as Aullie and Ern-Dog, but his favorite was being
called Grampy and Papa by his grandchildren who adore him.
His family would like to take this opportunity to thank notable medical professionals that have
supported Ernie in his recent challenges. Dr. Richard Kappelmann has been Ernie’s long-time primary
care physician; Dr. Ross Feller who provided exemplary care, treatment and guidance for Ernie over the
past year; Dr. Ronald Reilly and the Emergency Room staff at St. Mary’s Hospital who demonstrated
compassion and kindness in Ernie’s final hours.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the large size of Ernie’s immediate family, a private Mass of Christian
Burial will be held to honor and celebrate Ernie’s life. On Saturday, December 5 th , 12:30pm at the Gray
Cemetery, there will be a committal service for those who would like to attend. In lieu of flowers, it was
Ernie’s wish that donations be made to Boys Town at PO Box 8000, Boys Town, NE, 68010.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernest Malbon Austin, please visit our floral store.
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