Van Buren--- Austin James West "Westy", 15, died Saturday, July 2, 2016 at his favorite place, Long Lake Cove in Van Buren. He was born in Caribou, Maine on January 23, 2001, the son of Sherry Ouellette and James West, Jr.
Austin attended Van Buren District Secondary School where he had just completed his freshman year. Austin was quiet and shy but had the most contagious grin and the brightest blue eyes. He was caring, gentle, loving and respectful, a true gentleman in the making.
Austin was an avid sports enthusiast who loved any team Boston – the Bruins, the Celtics, the Red Sox and the New England Patriots. He himself was an athlete, playing basketball, hockey, and his favorite sport of all, soccer, where he played goalie for the varsity team. Austin genuinely loved the outdoors and could often be found snowmobiling, dirt biking, four-wheeling or just hanging out at the lake, as well as hunting and fishing.
Austin is survived by his mother, Sherry, and his stepfather, Jamie Theriault, and little brother, Jaxon; his father, James, and stepmother, Amanda, and little sister, Elsie; maternal grandparents Michael Ouellette and Rachel Dufour Ouellette; paternal grandmother, Katherine (Candy) West; step-grandparents, Ray and Jeanne Theriault and Stephen and Diane Brooker; Godfather and Uncle, Chad Ouellette and his wife, Heidi, of Caribou, Aunt and Uncle, Jaime and Karl Henderson of Limestone; cousins, Skylah Gendreau, Alex Ouellette and Dylan Ouellette, of Presque Isle; Aunt and Godmother, Angel Sperrey, and her husband, Keith, of Presque Isle; many other extended aunts, uncles and cousins; close friends, Matthew Burgess, Aaron LaJoie and Colby Lapointe. Austin was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, James West, Sr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church, Van Buren. Friends may call on Wednesday 6-8:00 PM and Thursday morning 9-10:30 AM at Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High Street, Van Buren. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Austin's memory to: St. John Valley Out of the Darkness Walk https://afsp.donordrive.com/ or Van Buren District Secondary School Athletic Department, 169 Main St., #102, Van Buren, ME 04785. To share condolences online, please visit www.LajoieFuneralHome.com
