Austin Wider

Austin Wider, longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away on Thursday, June 19 2008, after an extended illness.

Austin was born Feb. 20, 1929, in Wirt, Minn. The youngest of seven children born to Joseph and Verna Wider, he married Betty Robertson, Aug. 12, 1950, and was blessed with two daughters. He moved to Moses Lake in 1959 to work with his brother-in-law at Beeline Frame and Axle. He retired after 40 years in 1999 due to illness.

Austin enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, fishing and spending time with his family. Many people benefited from his green thumb, and he shared his "pea planting secret" with many new gardeners. Those who knew him will remember him as a kind, hardworking family man, with a generous nature, a wonderful smile and twinkling blue eyes.

Austin was preceded in death by all other siblings, and the Wider name dies with him. Austin is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty, daughters Dorinda; Colleen (Gary) Hazel; grandsons Jeremy (Christina) Hazel, Nicholas ( Megan) Hazel, great-granddaughter, Jordynn Hazel, and "corner child" Ida Baltikauskas.

At his request there will be no services. Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lilac Foundation for the Blind in Spokane.