One Individual Can Leave a Lasting Impact

Reflections of the light Steve shared with the VOC community:



• "Over the years I volunteered on a number of projects with Steve. This unassuming, wise man made a huge contribution to stewarding Colorado's outdoor resources. His guidance and work ethic inspired us all. We were fortunate to have him among us."

• "I've never known anyone so dedicated to giving back to his community as much as Steve was. He was a true jewel and I am so proud to have known him. He taught me so much about trails, about people, and about how best to live life. Such a role model. He will be so missed and there will never be another man like him."

• "Most superheroes only exist in comic books, but not Steve Austin. The man was a walking talking legend. I'm extremely fortunate to have been able to work with Mr. Austin throughout the state of Colorado. Whether it was passing along an endless breadth of knowledge to burgeoning crew leaders or manipulating 1,000 lb rocks, Steve was always a humble leader. He left his fingerprints on many special places throughout the centennial state and was THE example of a true lifelong steward of our public lands. Thanks for letting us rub elbows with a superhero Steve."

• "One memory of Steve stands out to me. I landed on one of Steve’s crew at Guffey Gorge where we were moving rocks the size of VW Beetles with his ingenious contraptions. By the end of the first day, most of us were ready to lay low, pull out a good brew and chow down on some good snacks. Steve, on the other hand, emerged from his pickup truck not too long after getting back to camp– decked out in his Tommy Bahama swim trunks with a towel draped over this back. “Off to jump off the cliff” he announced as he trotted back up the trail to the swimming hole the locals call Paradise Cove. Running after him, I witnessed the splash! What a way to end the day. What a way to live a life. A rare kind of teacher who graced so many lives. May his spirit be around all of us and in us as we carry on."

• "One of my favorite things about working with Steve was how he always made a point to be supportive of and a resource for his fellow Crew Leaders and volunteers. He taught, he guided, he encouraged, all with his signature understated enthusiasm."

• "I won't forget how, at a Roxborough State Park project, he took time at the end of the day to compliment my crew's work on a timber stair case. On the same project another friend we've lost, Jake Isaacson, was expressing how the bridge his crew built didn't quite come together like he hoped. "It's a good bridge, Jake" said Steve. That was all that was needed to quell Jake's concerns and make him feel good about where he ended the day!"

• "Steve was an amazing inspiration to us all! I can only hope to be out on a project in my 80s and 90’s. Steve shining influence will be greatly missed! Here’s to Steve, may he be at peace with the knowledge that he left a legacy of better trails and better people in Colorado behind him that won’t ever be replaced!"

If we can learn anything from Steve's effervescent commitment to his community and to Colorado, it's that one person can make an impact.

If you would like to learn about planned giving, please email development@voc.org or give us a call at 303-715-1010.