Obituary for Louis R Bailey Austin
Louis Roy Bailey Austin was born on December 13, 1933, in Havana, Cuba to Ada May Austin and George Bailey.
As an only child of this union, he spent his early years in the company of his paternal aunts and cousins. He frequently recalled many happy memories playing with his cousins Tiny and Ruddy in his aunt May’s kitchen.
His mother wanted the best for her only son and decided he should be educated in Jamaica, her country of origin. At approximately eight years of age, Louis was relocated to Jamaica under the care of his uncle and his family.
He found the transfer traumatic and challenging as he navigated from Spanish to English as his first language. From an early age he showed mathematical talent and together with his achievement in attaining awards in written and spoken English, he was awarded a scholarship to Saint Simons School, which was considered a prestigious establishment. Unfortunately, due to a badly broken leg that incapacitated him for over a year, he was unable to take up the scholarship.
Louis’ original ambition was to be a doctor; however, being unable to travel this path, he chose to apply his talents to architecture and engineering whilst in Jamaica.
In March 1959, Louis emigrated from Jamaica to the USA, arriving in New York on a cold winter March day. He was once again reunited with his Cuban family.
In order to continue in his profession is the USA, he had to confirm the educational requirements of being an engineer in the state of New York. Just over six months after his arrival and with his goal in sight, Louis enlisted in the United States Army Corps of Engineers in August 1959 for a period of two years. His enlistment would enable him to gain aid with his education under the GI Bill.
On his discharge, Louis was employed with a number of engineering companies in New York by day and he studied at New York City College during the evenings.
In March 1970, Louis married Clarissa Blades. This period in his life would be physically, financially and emotional challenging as he juggled marriage, work and studying.
His determination and grit resulted in him earning a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from City College, New York in February 1973. He joined the National Society of Professional Engineers in November 1973. Louis went on to gain his Professional Engineering designation in February 1974 and was licensed to practice in California (1976), Florida (1977), and Massachusetts (1978). Louis became licensed in over 12 states in the U.S. In New York State his focus was on Structures, which included roads and bridges.
Louis was always kind, generous and ready to assist friends and family who were in need.
I hope you will think of him as you drive through the highways and byways of southern New York and especially on Long Island.
Louis enjoyed a long and fruitful career retiring in 2001. He remained passionate about pursuing an education. Knowledge is power, which no one can take from you. His mantra was “It’s better to have it and not use it, than to need it and not have it.” It was a constant theme that he shared with the younger members of the family.
In his 22 years of retirement, he continued to learn and expand his knowledge in many fields.
Louis passed away on January 5, 2023, having lived a successful long life.
He leaves behind his daughter Clovia, sister Ruby, nephew Eric, and a host of relatives and friends.
He now rests in peace.
As an only child of this union, he spent his early years in the company of his paternal aunts and cousins. He frequently recalled many happy memories playing with his cousins Tiny and Ruddy in his aunt May’s kitchen.
His mother wanted the best for her only son and decided he should be educated in Jamaica, her country of origin. At approximately eight years of age, Louis was relocated to Jamaica under the care of his uncle and his family.
He found the transfer traumatic and challenging as he navigated from Spanish to English as his first language. From an early age he showed mathematical talent and together with his achievement in attaining awards in written and spoken English, he was awarded a scholarship to Saint Simons School, which was considered a prestigious establishment. Unfortunately, due to a badly broken leg that incapacitated him for over a year, he was unable to take up the scholarship.
Louis’ original ambition was to be a doctor; however, being unable to travel this path, he chose to apply his talents to architecture and engineering whilst in Jamaica.
In March 1959, Louis emigrated from Jamaica to the USA, arriving in New York on a cold winter March day. He was once again reunited with his Cuban family.
In order to continue in his profession is the USA, he had to confirm the educational requirements of being an engineer in the state of New York. Just over six months after his arrival and with his goal in sight, Louis enlisted in the United States Army Corps of Engineers in August 1959 for a period of two years. His enlistment would enable him to gain aid with his education under the GI Bill.
On his discharge, Louis was employed with a number of engineering companies in New York by day and he studied at New York City College during the evenings.
In March 1970, Louis married Clarissa Blades. This period in his life would be physically, financially and emotional challenging as he juggled marriage, work and studying.
His determination and grit resulted in him earning a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from City College, New York in February 1973. He joined the National Society of Professional Engineers in November 1973. Louis went on to gain his Professional Engineering designation in February 1974 and was licensed to practice in California (1976), Florida (1977), and Massachusetts (1978). Louis became licensed in over 12 states in the U.S. In New York State his focus was on Structures, which included roads and bridges.
Louis was always kind, generous and ready to assist friends and family who were in need.
I hope you will think of him as you drive through the highways and byways of southern New York and especially on Long Island.
Louis enjoyed a long and fruitful career retiring in 2001. He remained passionate about pursuing an education. Knowledge is power, which no one can take from you. His mantra was “It’s better to have it and not use it, than to need it and not have it.” It was a constant theme that he shared with the younger members of the family.
In his 22 years of retirement, he continued to learn and expand his knowledge in many fields.
Louis passed away on January 5, 2023, having lived a successful long life.
He leaves behind his daughter Clovia, sister Ruby, nephew Eric, and a host of relatives and friends.
He now rests in peace.