Austin Michael Perkins

It is with the greatest sadness that I must share the passing of Austin Michael Perkins, aged 25.

Born April 9, 2001, Austin had the kindest heart from the beginning. He loved sports, playing soccer, golf, tennis and more. He was a cub scout and enjoyed time camping with his Papa and going to Space Camp with his mom. He travelled across the country with his Nana, Uncle Dewey, Aunt Heather and cousins Lily and Phoebe, stopping all along the way to see some of the most beautiful parts of our country. He learned, laughed and grew with the other kids in his homeschool PE class.

After his first cancer diagnosis, he couldn’t walk. So, we as a family took up playing video games with him. He was granted a Make-a-Wish that took him to NYC to watch the Macy’s Day Parade where he met incredibly kind people that warmed his heart and stayed with him. Eventually, Austin found his chosen family in several of the friends he made online. One of these friends would become his true brother and a member of our immediate family.

His life was not always an easy one. He faced things that no child – or parent – should ever have to face. And yet, through it all, he remained kind and caring of all in his life. He was stoic. He was told he would never walk again. He didn’t like that answer, so he walked! He was compassionate. If someone was having a bad day or a hard time, he made sure to hug them and tried to help them how he could. He was fun to be with and loved to laugh.

He was all these things and so much more, as anyone who met him knows.

He was my son. He was my best friend.

Austin leaves behind his mother (Shannon Kelly & Daniel Wiseman), his father (Terry and Liz Seek), his two sisters (Kira Hennessy & Conner Acree, Sierra & Cody Burkett), his brother (Gabriel Carver) his grandparents (Bill & Colleen Perkins, Terry & Helen Seek), his favorite Uncle (Dewey & Heather Perkins), his Aunt (Tiffany Mullins), his cousins (Lily, Phoebe, Christopher and Glenn) and a multitude more family and friends. He also leaves behind a lifetime of memories- stories we will tell, photos we will keep, phrases and gestures we will repeat, and pieces of himself that will continue through everyone who loved him.

Austin had a motto: Sic parvis magna - Greatness from small beginnings. And he lived it every day of his life.

Rest now, Austin. We’ll see you soon.

God bless you and keep you.