A rosary will be said 7 p.m. today at St. John's Catholic Church in Smith for seventh-generation Nevadan Austin Jon Park, 14, who died Nov. 29, 2008, at his home in Smith Valley. A community vigil will follow the service 8 p.m. at the Smith Valley High School Gymnasium.
A funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Gall Catholic Church in Gardnerville, with burial immediately following at Mottsville Cemetery. A reception will follow in the pastoral center at St. Gall Catholic Church.
Austin was born Feb. 22, 1994, to a pioneer Carson Valley family. An accomplished student at Smith Valley High School, family members said he excelled in everything he did, and looked forward to each new endeavor that life brought his way. From his role in the Future Farmers of America, to playing halfback and linebacker with the Smith Valley Bulldogs, Austin simply had a good time being a boy. He also played junior varsity basketball and was looking forward to the upcoming season and his favorite sport, track and field.
Austin enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. His sister, Brooke, could always count on him for anything and to his parents, Jon and Molly Park, he was their utmost joy. From childhood friends to his adult peers, Austin had a sincerity and friendliness that was infectious to all those who had the honor of being part of a life that was taken all too soon. He is survived by his parents, Jon and Molly Park; sister Brooke Park; grandparents Bruce and Nancy Park, grandmother Sue Whittaker, grandparents Kathne and Mike Dowd, great-grandmother Norma Gomes and other loving family members.
Friends and wellwishers are invited to visit www.austinjonpark.last-memories.com.
