I am a candle wick
frail, unsupported,
Immersed in time
growing, becoming structured
Conceived in a sparkle of passion
As a candle I shine;
A friery spirit glowing

A radiant beacon of
light illuminating
the darkness
Until I burn my self out.
But I am not extinguished;
Change, my atomic essence
fills the air
wafts with the wind
and envelopes the universe.

Written by Mary Hockett
Smitted by Vickie Rosslow
with all our love

OUR TRIBUTE TO YOU

Austin was a loving son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend. He will forever have a place in our hearts

This memorial is to Celebrate the Life of our loved one, Austin Tyler Gains, now and for as long as his memory remains alive. Austin was born in Wichita, Kansas on May 24, 1984. And on April 16, 2005, at the age of 20, his
Soul soared with Angel Wings. We will remember him forever.

And one day soar with him again

He leaves so many who love him. His Mother and stepfather Pam & Tim, Father and stepmother John & Joyce. Grandmother Shirley, Big brother Zach & sister-in-law(other big sister) Sara, Big Sister Andrea and little brother Dal. Nieces, Neshae and Madisyn. Nephews, Tyler and Brett. And numerous good friends

Austin Latin Meaning "majestic dignity"

Making the decision to have a child-it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. Elizabeth Stone

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor touched…but are  felt in the heart     Helen Keller

He will always be our shinning star








We little knew that morning that God
 Was going to call your name.
 In life we loved you dearly,
 In death we do the same.
 It broke our hearts to lose you,
 You did not go alone;
 For part of us went with you
 The day God called you home.
 You left us peaceful memories,
 Your love is still our guide;
 And though we cannot see you,
 You are always at our side.
 Our family chain is broken,
 And nothing seems the same;
 But as God calls us, one by one,
 Our chain will link again.




Plant your own garden and decorate your own soal, instead of waiting for somwone to bring you flowers. Veronica A. Shoffsball




Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep
  
Do not stand at my grave and weep;   
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.



 

It is time to heal, my friend...to know that you did everythig you could, and more; that it mattered that you touched thoses lives.       Lt. Col. Janis A. Nark


And if I go, while you’re still here…

Know that I live on,
Vibrating to a different measure
-      behind a thin veil you cannot see through.

You will not see me,
So you much have faith.

I wait the time when we can soar together again,
- both aware of each other.

Until then, live you life to its fullest.
And when you need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart,
…I will be there.







Our world stopped on the day you died. We
couldn't fathom life without you. Why is it fate
can bring bonds so deep, and fate can make
life disappear. We'll always remember the
day you died. That raw aching hole - you were
gone. Time will dull the pain, but it will seem a
betrayal to move on. We were not prepared
for the day you died. Your life slipped away
much too soon. And even as time lets us
laugh again, a piece of our heart went
with you

"I miss ya man"  Love Adam 


Phil, "Thrasher for life. Miss You Buddy"




Broc & Dal Miss you



(Tim & Mom)


Casket Bearers
back to front Eric, Phil, Eric, Zach, Dal, Adam, Dara
 (not pictured Joey)


Austin was a loving son, brother, grandson, uncle and friend. He will forever have a place in our hearts

Autin Tyler Gains was the third of four children and middle son born on May 24, 1984. As a baby & toddler he was quiet, content, & easy to please. Growing up he played Little League Baseball from T-Ball until age 14. He was fun to watch run the bases. He was quick and had an awesome pop up slide. In middle school he began track and participated in it through his sophomore year. At age 16 began working at K-Mart. He worked for them there 3 1/2 years. Austin worked hard and he made many lasting relationships. He purchased a 1997 Honda Civic at the beginning of his junior year. He saved wisely and modified his car, little by little. Austin put his heart and soul into this car twice. It was stolen and stripped on Thanksgiving Eve 2002.
After Graduation in 2003   he had some decisions to make about his future. He came to the conclusion that he liked working on cars, modifying them in particular. In January 2004, six months after graduating from High School, he bravely moved to Houston, Texas and attended the Universal Technical Institute. Austin graduated as an Automotive Technician in December 2004. Although he sometimes didn’t know if he wanted to be a technician forever and wondered if he made the right decision, he stuck it out. He knew it would be a jump start for his future and he could move on to do other things if he wished. Austin moved back home after graduating. For a graduation gift we took him snowboarding, something he had found he liked doing when we all went to Colorado on a ski trip for Christmas a few years before. Austin wanted to work at a Honda dealership. He was immediately hired at a local Honda dealership as an auto technician

In March of 2005 Austin started looking for new projects. He wanted to sell his Honda and buy an Acura Integra to modify. He was also looking for a motorcycle.He couldn’t have done both projects at once. He found the motorcycle first.He had wanted to buy a motorcycle for sometime. As a parent I wanted Austin to experience life and feel his hard work and sacrifice had paid off for him.

On Wednesday April 13 I co-signed for Austin on a Kawasaki Ninja. He bought it from a coworker. I had lunch with my daughter this same afternoon and we were talking about Austin getting his motorcycle. I made the comment that I hoped I wasn’t helping him buy something that was going to get him killed.

      Thursday April 14. His older brother bought a motorcycle as well. The two of them looked forward to riding together and building their sibling relationship as young adults.  Austin and his stepfather picked up his motorcycle.t went downhill from there. When they arrived, his coworker had taken the tag off. He had told Austin earlier in the day he would leave it on to get it home. Austin knew his skill level and didn’t want to ride it on the highway and his stepfather has a motorcycle license. Austin didn’t have his motorcycle license yet so his stepfather rode it home.They were able to get it to my house without a ticket but once getting it to my house, Austin decided to ride it to his sister’s which is less than two miles away. He thought taking the neighborhood, he wouldn’t get caught. We live in a small community just  outside Wichita  and I tried to warn him he was taken a chance. He no more than got a few blocks away and there happened to be a Highway Patrol sitting on a residential street in this small community. What are the chances of this? Austin received infractions for driving without a motorcycle license and no tag. 

Friday April 15. Austin and I pushed the clock of time to the end.  We spent most of the afternoon getting the motorcycle tagged and  obtaining his motorcycle license.  Knowing he hadn’t studied for the exam, I printed a handbook off of the internet. By the time we made it to the DMV we were just about out of time. He did not have time to take the riding test so he took the exam in order to obtain a learners permit. He passed it and the look on his face was ecstatic joy. Once all this was accomplished, Austin bought me a Frappicino to show his appreciation. I patted him on the knee and congratulated him, telling him this is what it is all about. All of his hard work was paying off. He was getting to do some of the things he wanted. We arrived home and his brother and another friend was there ready and waiting to go riding withAustin. I was never to see  Austin alive again for within 24 hours he was dead, the motorcycle took his life. Friday evening he and his brother rode all evening. Austin was doing great, learning to ride and becoming more confident. 

 Saturday April 16. I called Austin. He stated he had had a good time the evening before. He sounded happy and excited. I was never to talk with Austin again.

That evening at 6:15p Austin lost control, reasons unknown, and was thrown into a street sign. He never had a chance. He died on the scene.  He had been riding with his brother and sister and some friends. His siblings saw the accident. They have had to live with this bittersweet moment. They saw the happiness in his face in the moments before his death. At least we know he was happy when his life was tragically taken.   

 


To most people who drive by this, Austin is no more than a roadside cross, where he tragically died in an motorcycle accident, but to me his mother, his siblings and his friends, this roadside cross is a reminder of the all too few treasured moments we spent with Austin. He will be missed until the day we are ALL reunited to soar with him again 

I Remember,  
Austin
Your years of growing
all our shared thoughts and feelings,
the carefree and happy times a family shares.
I remember the joy, the tears, and the sorrow –
stormy emotions for changing times.
I remember the squeeze of your hand,
whispered “I love you’s”
the snapshots and memories
of time and years.
I remember all the ways
you’ve kept my life busy.
Every day, I celebrate and honor
all the ways you make my heart proud
You, Austin are loving memories
Close and strong and celebrated. 

Best Christams Ever The top of Lumberjack at Copper Mountain 2002

Adaptable and versatile
Communicative and witty
Intellectual and eloquent
Youthful and lively

Joey,One of Zach's best friends
I remember when Austing first got his car, he came by my house and we sat there and looked at that car for almost two hours. Austin told me all of the things that he wanted to do it his car, although I can't remembver everything he wanted to do, I will never forget his smile. His smile was so contagious I couldn't help but laugh and smile along with him. I can't ever remember a time when I saw him that he didn't acknowledge me and say hello and grin. I know Austin isn't here on Earth anymore, but he will always be in my heart as well and everyone who knew him.

Cindy
I know I only talked to Austin for a month, but we became really close friends. He was a very friendly and caring friend. I know he's in a better place now and he will always be in my thoughts. He also lives in my heart.

Manivaine
Having known Austin for the past 3 1/2 years has been great. I just wanted to let your family know that I will be praying for your family. Austin meant a lot to us and we cared about him a lot. I will miss his beautiful presence. Your son was a great man, always was there for me when I needed him. May God be you & Austin

Gina Dickinson Ms. D(4th & 5th grade teacher)
I wanted to write to you and express "our" great sorrow! I was lucky enough to have Ausitn in my life in his 4th and 5th grade school years. I often ran into him and he always has a hug, smile and a sweet story to share with his ol' teacher! I did attend the funeral as he will always be one of my "kids" There were five of us from our 4-5th grade class there to say our good-bye. I knew if I said or approached you that day I wouldn't be able to be strong for thoses kids that were there. You did a fabulous job as his mother, because he was such a special person. Thank you for sharing him with me. I will miss him dearly and what a special young man to have touched so many lives in such a very short amount of time. You are in my prayers daily, and what a speical guardian angel you have taking care of you.

Austin had always been a special person. But his most outstanding trait was that he was a great uncle. At fourteen he became an uncle to Neshae. He would hold and cuddle her for hours at a time. He was content to spend time with her. He would take her to the zoo and to movies. Three more children would come later and have the grand opportunity of having Austin as their uncle. He was the best uncle a child could have. Neshae was six and I’m afraid she won’t retain the memories of these good times.. Austin and Neshae would have always had a special relationship. They had that special kind of bond. Neshae has been cheated out of a relationship that she will find in no other. Austin’s friends say he always talked about her and they could tell he was proud. All four have lost a great uncle. Tyler was four and although he and  Austin hadn't developed the same relationship, they were building a lasting relationship and he too will struggle to hold on to the memories of him. Madisyn and Brett were only one and they will only know Austin through photographs and stories. This breaks my heart to know that so many memories were left to be created.

SPIRITS IN THE MATERIAL
Austin was a sensitive young man who enjoyed his family and friends.  He would have deep conversations with me, his mother (when he was in the mood). He was the one that more freely gave hugs, just because. Austin was the link between his siblings. As the middle son he linked the others gaping their ages and being the one who could bring them closer together.  He liked to make people laugh, and enjoyed picking fun and teasing other in a light-hearted manner.  He was a good friend to others, helping them anytime they asked, any where he could, especially car projects. Even at age 20 he enjoyed the Cartoon Network, always a kid at heart.  Austin spent many hours skateboarding with his friend Phil, also having deep and personal conversations with. Adam his longest friend joined the army right after High School. Adam left for the military and Austin soon left for Houston to go to UTI. Although they spoke on the phone, their paths would not cross again until February 2005 when Adam finished his tour of duty in Iraq and Austin had graduated from UTI. They had two weeks together before Adam was sent to his station in Germany. They were never to see each other again.
                              
 
Austin loved to watch movies. Band of Brothers was his all time favorite.He enjoyed Jackie Chan movies, both of the Fast & Furious, Matrix,  history movies, most action packed movies as well as comedy's.

Favorite TV was the Cartoon Network, The History channel, The OC,  Monster Garage

Favorite music was Rock and Alternative. Chevelle, Staind, Green Day,  Linkin Park were just a few. He really liked Bob Marley too.

Austin enjoyed cooking and would have become an excellent cook. He didn't  mind cooking from scratch if he was provided with a recipe. Favorite foods were mom's meatloaf and chicken primevera, Dara mom's egg rolls and Eric mom's Pha.  He liked hamburger pizza, tuna on crackers (a staple for him), chicken pesto (he made this a lot) and fried rice. Mayo No Miracle Whip Please.  Favorite eating establishments were Kobe's Steak House and Buffalo Wild Wings. Boneless wings only. 

Austin collected tribal masks. His room was and still is decorated with them. Anytime we traveled this is what we'd get him. It was easy and fun to shop for. Some of his masks come from Mexico, Jamaica, Paris. His favorite animal was a wolf. His favorite hobby was his car and surfing the internet looking for parts. He had a dream of moving to California and was in the process of making some plans to visit and begin looking for a job. Another dream was to own a shop modifying imports, ultimately creating the modification on cars seen in movies such as The Fast And The Furious. He could have done anything he put his mind to and would have done it first class.  A true perfectionist.

His Dream Car
a Skyline
click car image to enlarge

We are all pencils in the hand of God.     Mother Teresa





Light a Candle

Light a candle for those we mourn
Into a new life they will be born.
Do not look for them at the gravesite.
they are somewhere else radiating their beautiful light.
They have gone to a new world where there is no darkness, no pain.
Their light and essence will always remain.
Light a candle for those who have left this mortal place.
They are free to travel through time and space.
When we think of them, they are near.
When we sit in a beautiful garden. Their voices we hear.
When we listen to a divine symphony,
We close our eyes, their faces we see.
Light a candle for they have not really gone.
With each flickering flame, in your hearts they will always belong.



As a way of letting us know you visited Austin's site, please light a candle before you leave. If you knew Austin please feel free to write a lttle story about him in the tribute section.  We love to hear what others have to say about Austin. 







I WAS THERE
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