Gabriel Austin

Gabriel Thomas Austin, 35, passed away suddenly on September 7th, 2019 in Albuquerque, NM. He was born in Taos, NM, moved to Hawaii with his parents when he was 15 months old, returning to Taos when he was 10 years old. Gabriel graduated with Honors from Taos High School in 2002.  He attended the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Washington, the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of New Mexico. His major studies and interests were in Resource Management and Environmental Planning. Our planet and the preservation of its beauty and ecosystems were of utmost importance in his life. He spent many years mastering and sharing his skills and passion as a master chef, both professionally and with family and friends.

Gabriel derived great pleasure from participating in sports both in High School and during his College years. In High School he was on the Taos Tiger Football Team. He was given the Honor of being chosen by his Teammates as Team Captain for his Senior Year. He was also on the Taos High Wrestling Team, Track and Field Team and Swim Team. While he lived in Hawaii, he was a Competitive Outrigger Canoe Paddler, avid open water swimmer and Body Boarder. He swam with the University of Puget Sound Swim Team during his first Semester there. He was also on the Varsity Crew Team at Puget Sound.  Gabriel had a brilliant mind, a huge heart and a generous spirit.

He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. The loves of his life were his family, especially his beautiful 3-year-old daughter Khloe-Jeanne.

He is survived by his parents; Thomas Austin and Jeanne Obert, sister; Jessica Austin, daughter; Khloe-Jeanne Mitchell Austin, and his daughter’s Mother, Denise Mitchell. Gabriel is also survived by many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

A memorial will be held at a future date & time, which will be announced. Please email Jeanne Obert, [email protected] for additional  information regarding the memorial or to answer any questions.  His family has set up a GoFundMe Account, https://www.gofundme.com/khloejeanne-educational-fund, for the education of Khloe-Jeanne.  If you prefer another manner of donating to Khloe’s educational fund contact Denise Mitchell at [email protected] or Jeanne Obert. (at her email above).  Arrangements by Rivera Funeral Home, Taos.  To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com