Austin Joseph Gallagher left us on April 17, 2018, in Kamloops, BC, at the young age of 17.
He is survived by his Mother, Kym Gallagher, his Siblings; Curtis Bowerbank, Alyssa Bowerbank & Cierra Gallagher. He is also survived by many family members; Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles, Cousins etc.
Austin was born in Langley, BC on March 8, 2001. Since August of 2003, he resided and grew up to be an amazing young man, in Kamloops, BC. Austin experienced a few different schools from Grade 3-11, and is well known throughout the city by many people. Austin has touched people’s lives wherever he went and therefore; has touched the lives of so many.
Austin’s most cherished times, were during the Summer Season, when he could spend his time at Gardom Lake Bible Camp. He has had a lot of great moments there over the last 6 years, with his younger Sister, Cierra. Austin spent 3 weeks last summer, as a Junior Staff member, at Gardom Lake and made some awesome memories. He was looking forward to attending again this Summer for his 7th year.
Austin’s Mom always enjoyed listening to the excitement in his voice as he replayed the events of his weeks at camp. She would like to express her gratitude to all the staff and campers at the camp for giving Austin the chance to experience and for helping him to continue growing in his relationship with God.
Austin was a bright and gifted young man, that had so much untapped potential to make a difference in this world. His family can only hope that while he was here, he was able to make a difference in the lives that he touched. The Journey that Austin had barely begun, ended far to soon. He will forever be missed and carried in the hearts of those who knew him.
A Bible verse that was important to Austin:
1 Corinthians 1:25-
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
*In lieu of flowers, an account will be set up for donations to Gardom Lake Bible Camp, as this would have been Austin’s wishes. There will also be a place on site to donate in person. https://registration.gardomlake.ca/secure/cr_front_donation.taf
12 Tributes
Kym.. i can’t begin to know what you and the family are going through.. Austin was always so very special to me.. and i called him my little spider-man since he could climb door frames at a very young age.. He will be forever in my heart.. You are all in my thought and prayers.. sending much love.. Tess and Richard
My heart and prayers go out to all of you.
Austin was always kind, he had such a tender heart and it was such a joy to see him after he spend time with the youth group and God.
If there is anything you need Kym please let me know.
So very sorry for your loss. Our hearts break and we pray you find the strength to get through this horrible time. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Oh my god Kym. We can’t imagine what you and your family are going through. It saddens us both so much to hear this news. Austin was such a bright kid. It is hard to believe what we just read. Our deepest condolences to you all.
We always enjoyed having Austin over at our place. He always ate everything I cooked without complaint. We always remember this one time when he tried creme brûlée. He didn’t know what it was and Jarett said its a type of fancy dessert. I warned him he probably wouldn’t like it. He responded with I love dessert and took the biggest spoonful…. his face was priceless. His eyes went wide open and he held it in his mouth because he didn’t want to be rude or swallow it. I then handed him a napkin and said, it’s ok you can spit it out. We still laugh on this moment when we have creme brûlée. This is just one of the many memories we have of Austin. I always called it getting there nerd on when Jarett and Austin would talk about their favourite video games and play magic cards. I am sorry we couldn’t be closer to you during this very hard time. Our prayer and thoughts are with you and your family.
To Kym and family,
I don’t believe we’ve met but after hearing about Austin’s passing, my heart sunk, and I wanted to send my condolences. My son, Brett, remembers Austin was in his class at Summit. We are very sorry for your loss. May these heartfelt messages of sympathy you receive help you through this very difficult time.
I met Austin at Gardom lake, I was going there for a visit because I had many friends who worked at Gardom. I had no idea that when I went I’d find such an amazing friend. Austin became one of the best people in my life, he was one of the kindest people I’d ever met. He always put others before himself, he always had an open heart. He helped me through so much. I only wish I could have done the same. He showed me love when I felt alone. He gave me hope when I was angry at the world, he reminded me that there are still good people in this world. Because he was one of them. I am so thankful to have had such and amazing person in my life. Life won’t be the same without him, but I know that someday I’ll see him again. And I know he is dancing with the angels. This isn’t a goodbye, this is just a “see you later”. I love you Austin. You will always be in my heart and my thoughts. Thank you for making my darkest days brighter.
Kym and Cierra,
My thoughts and love are with you. I will remember Austin for his art work and generosity. I lost a son in 2015. It is so difficult to go though such pain and loss. Be kind to yourselves.
yours,
Heather Russell
Dear Kym, I was at the funeral for Austin yesterday with my daughters who worked with him at GL. I know when death comes to our homes, there are more questions than answers. I just wanted to say two things I absolutely KNOW in the midst of so much unknown.I can see you loved Austin very, very much. And God, himself, has wiped away every one of Austin’s tears. A fellow mother, Heather Nicks
Dear Cierra,
I never met you but I saw you around Gardom Lake this past summer on teen week. It touched me so much to see how close you and Austin were. One could really see by watching the two of you that you really loved and valued each other. Austin and I were Juniour Staff together last year and I was honoured to spend that time with him. Whenever I think of him it is with admiration and respect. I remember him as being the one person on our team who worked the hardest and was the last person to leave when the job was done. He had a sacrificial heart, as I saw him give up his free time to help others with their work. Austin was a remarkable and mature young man who was always respectful, considerate, and good natured. His walk with God was evident in his everyday life. I could see it easily every time he gave up his time to help, include someone, or used his good work ethic to help his team. Being with him has inspired me to show God’s love to people as he did and to care for people as well. Cierra, I am so sorry so you and my heart is hurting for you right now as I think of what you are thinking and feeling. I will be praying for you every time I think of you as I know that this grief is very difficult for you.
With deep sorrow and sincere concern,
Ashley Nicks
I do not recall if I ever did meet Austin we followed each other On Instagram I have been friends with his little sister Cierra since the 6th grade I feel simply awful. I am praying for the family during this diffcult time remeber god is keeping Austin safe once again I’m so sorry <3
I’m sorry for you loss. Austin not being here is a loss to the world. I never got to meet Austin but I am an internet friend that lives in the United States. I talked to him nearly daily for well over a year and a half. Myself and another friend had planned to drive up and meet him this summer in person. I wish I had gotten the chance to meet Austin face to face.
Jeff and I are very sorry for your loss. Austin was in our life for a short time, but he was an amazing kid. He loved coming up to our property and riding our little ATV. I will never forget the times we took Austin out and ran into Uncle Chris the Clown, over and over again.