Austin Bennett Aylward

Austin Bennett Aylward, formerly of Leoville, passed away peacefully, with his loving family present, in his 91st year at the Palliative Care Unit at Community Hospital in O’Leary on June 30, 2026.

Austin (Austie) is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Theresa (Shea), and his five children: Bill (Telly), Brian (Rose), Cathy (Wilbert), Anne Marie (Mitch), and Michael (Norma). Austie was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Melissa, Shannon, Erin, Kaylee, Alex, Evan, Brittany, Emily, Jill, and Mairead; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Austie was immensely proud of his family and their accomplishments. He especially loved family gatherings, where he enjoyed a hearty meal and, most of all, a good steak.

Austie was predeceased by his parents, Austin and Alma (Donahue), and by six of his siblings: Jean Blanchard (late Elmer), Leonard Aylward, Mary Ellen (Ted) Hinks, Noreen (Barry) Shead, Lois (late David) Harper, Wayne (Nettie) Aylward and parents-in-law Will and Annie Shea and brother-in-law Joey (late Jean) Shea. He is survived by seven of his siblings: Phylis Shea (Freddie), Florence Malone (late Leo), Carol Keough, Betty Ready (late Gerard), Joey Aylward (Sharon Horne; late Peggy), David (Marlene) Aylward, Donna (late John) Tomiuck and sister-in-law Janie (Derek) Dyment and brother-in-law Ted (Jeanne; late Mary Ellen).

Austie enjoyed a full life, lived well. He started fishing with his father at the age of 14. He left home at 16 to earn a living and save enough money to purchase his own fishing gear. He worked in the lumber camps in Nova Scotia and as airport security in Goose Bay, Labrador, and he helped in the construction of Canada’s DEW Line as a heavy equipment operator. Austie returned home at the age of 21 to marry Theresa. They put down roots in Leoville and began their life together.

Austie fished out of Tignish and Skinner’s Pond until he retired from fishing in his late sixties.

An excellent fisherman, Austie mentored his brothers, who became fishermen, and two of his sons, who followed in his footsteps.

After winning his own battle with addiction over 50 years ago, Austie sponsored and supported numerous individuals determined to address their addiction.

Austie was a man of faith, and his quiet trust in God was reflected in the way he lived and cared for others.

Austie kept meticulous records of dates, times, and observations. He was a lifelong learner and a keen follower of local and global events. He had a great mind for numbers and was a keen observer of all things business-related. When problems needed to be solved, he would often say, “Do the math.”

He played bridge to keep his mind sharp and loved the challenge of achieving a grand slam. He was also very interested and inquisitive about the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In retirement, Austie and Theresa enjoyed the warmer weather farther south during the winter months.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Austie’s caregivers at the Palliative Care Unit at Community Hospital.

Resting at West Prince Funeral Home, 522 Thompson Road.

There will be no visitation by personal request.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church, Palmer Road, at 10:30 a.m.

Father Greg Conway will officiate.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

There will be a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall following the committal service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of Community Hospital in O’Leary.