John Douglas "Doug" Austin

In Loving Memory of John Douglas “Doug” Austin

February 9, 1971 – November 7, 2026

John Douglas “Doug” Austin, 55, passed away at home on November 7, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Though his time here was far too short, the impact he made on the lives of those around him will last a lifetime.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Doug spent his childhood moving between Arizona and Oklahoma before eventually making Arizona his permanent home. In 2003, he settled in San Tan Valley, Arizona, where he built a life and made countless memories with the people he loved.

Doug was a hardworking, stubborn, funny, generous, and fiercely protective man. He was the kind of person who simply could not sit still. There was always a project to tackle, something to fix, a vehicle to work on, or something to improve at his cabin. He was a true jack of all trades, a natural problem solver, and the person everyone knew they could call when they needed help. If there was a way to fix it, Doug would find it.

He also had a goofy side and was always cracking jokes. He loved making people laugh and had a way of bringing humor into everyday moments. Whether he was working on a project or simply spending time with family, there was usually a joke, a smart remark, or some silliness thrown into the mix. His stubbornness may have been legendary, but so was his ability to make people smile.

Professionally known as John, Doug was an electrical engineer who dedicated 24 years of his career to Microchip Technology. His intelligence, creativity, and dedication were reflected in the multiple patents he helped develop alongside his colleagues. He took great pride in his work, but his greatest accomplishments were never found on paper or in a professional title. They were found in the family he loved and the life he worked so hard to provide for them.

On March 10, 1993, Doug married Christina, beginning a marriage and life together that would span more than three decades. Their cabin held a particularly special place in their hearts. It was a place for family to gather, make memories, and enjoy time together, but most of all, it was a special place for Doug and Christina. It was another reflection of the life they built together and the memories they created along the way.

Above all else, Doug was a family man. He took tremendous pride in providing for and protecting those he loved, often putting their needs before his own. No matter the problem or challenge, he somehow found a way to help. He was the steady presence his family depended on, the one who always showed up, and truly the glue that held them together.

His love for his family showed up in a thousand little ways. It was in the things he fixed, the projects he took on, the sacrifices he made, and the countless ways he made sure everyone was taken care of. And, of course, in his special talent for sneaking his granddaughters a cookie when nobody was watching. Those little moments will be remembered and cherished forever.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Sharon Austin; his stepmother, Sonia; his brother, David; and his son, Christopher.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Christina L. Austin; his children, Scott Austin, Taylor Jackson and her husband, Will Jackson, and Branden Austin; his cherished granddaughters, Willow, Ophelia, and Aurora; and his brother, Brian Austin, and his wife, Carol. He also leaves behind numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Doug leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves behind the lessons of hard work, the importance of showing up for the people you love, the value of lending a helping hand, and the reminder that love is often best expressed through actions rather than words. His absence will be felt in every unfinished project, every problem that needs fixing, every family gathering, every joke that will no longer be told, and every cookie shared with his granddaughters.

He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, provider, protector, friend, and Marine. He was one of a kind, and there will never be another quite like him.

A celebration of Doug's life will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery in Mesa, Arizona.

Though our hearts are broken, we will carry his love, his laughter, his stubborn spirit, and everything he taught us for the rest of our lives.

Rest easy, Doug. You've spent a lifetime taking care of everyone else. It's time to rest. We will take it from here. You will be loved and missed more than words could ever express.