Austin David Westley, 32 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by those he loved after a brutal fight with appendix cancer. His beautiful soul touched so many lives and we will all forever be changed having known him.
The world became a brighter place when Austin was born to loving parents David and Janis Westley on August 23, 1990, in Sandy, Utah. He grew up with four siblings who kept him in AND out of trouble. They helped shape him into the quirky, fun-loving boy we all know and love.
His love of nature started at a young age. He enjoyed gardening, discovering new flowers, birdwatching and campouts in the backyard with his Mom. This would become a stepping stone for later adventures in his life. His Dad taught him how to live hard, love fast cars and to have a good joke at the ready.
Austin grew up in an amazing neighborhood where he made lifelong best friends, two words: mischief managed.
Austin was all about music. He had a love for all instruments, the stranger the better, but was extremely talented when it came to playing the piano and drums. He was able to show off these talents in a recorded album, as well as many band gigs. When you didn’t find Austin at the piano, he was most certainly outside skateboarding with friends or finding a new hill to chase a thrill on his longboard.
At 16 years old Austin was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood cancer.
After a long road of treatment Austin had the privilege to explore London and Paris with his family through Make-A-Wish. He loved getting to see so many major landmarks and fuel his love for history.
Following the end of his cancer treatment, Austin experienced a rebirth into teenage hood. He didn’t want to miss out anymore. He started developing friendships across the globe, talking to all the girls and would play video games way into the night with his best childhood friends – becoming a master of guitar hero and rockband. He found a taste of freedom when taking long drives and just living life to the fullest in every moment. He was snarky, sassy and hilarious.
In the summer of 2009 Austin started dating Kirsti Anjewierden where they became inseparable. The only thing causing them to part was when Austin decided to serve an LDS mission. He served in North Carolina where he learned to love BBQ, Cheer wine, Cookouts, and those he served.
Returning home from his mission he proposed to and married the love of his life Kirsti in the Draper LDS Temple on August 3, 2012. He also began furthering his education at the University of Utah where he would earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Austin had a love of learning and expanding his knowledge.
Kirsti and Austin lived a beautiful life together. They lived large, loud and full of love.
Their marriage was based around teamwork, communication and friendship. They were able to be their true selves with each other. They enjoyed trips to Disneyland together, tackling large projects and loving all aspects of a life together. They adopted two dogs together, Maggie and Cooper who he adored. Austin supported Kirsti in all of her big projects, whether it be a kitchen remodel or all her artistic endeavors. He was truly a partner.

Austin was an avid outdoorsman – he loved to plan backpacking trips, hikes, picking out seeds for his garden and going for runs. He was super active and enjoyed sharing his love of nature with others.
When the time was right, Austin and Kirsti began their long journey to start their family by the miracle of in vitro fertility due to his cancer journey as a teenager. After two and a half years of fertility treatments their lives were blessed on June 8, 2020, with the most perfect twin boys.
Brooks and Oliver. Austin is a brilliant Daddy. He was nervous he wouldn’t know what to do, but immediately loved his boys more than life itself. He never shied away from poopy diapers, late night feedings, or lots of crying. He took it all in stride, loving every minute. If there was ever a bright side of Covid, it forced Austin’s work to be at home and he was able to spend every moment cherishing his boys.
Earlier this year Austin was able to share his love of Disney magic with his boys. He savored every moment of showing Disneyland to Brooks and Ollie. They rode the teacups more than anyone should, learned the beauty of a churro and got to meet Mickey. His family will have so many cherished memories of their trip together.
The last months of his life he Lived – not letting a scary cancer absolutely consume him. He still looked for the horizon and a good joke. He never stopped being a Dad, and was hoping to be able to stay with us for years to come. He was ready to show his boys the love of the world he had.
We believe Austin will forever be with us. There are so many ways to cherish his memory and life. The next time you eat a peanut butter sandwich, think of Austin. The next time you take a moment to stop and smell the flowers, or pick tomatoes, think of Austin. But most of all remember that Austin is sunshine. He touched the lives of so many people. He was the best at befriending everyone and like sunshine his love spread everywhere. So, when you step outside and feel that warm sunshine on your cheek, think of Austin and how much he loved you.
Austin is survived by his wife Kirsti, their children Brooks and Oliver. His parents David and Janis Westley, his siblings Misha (Matthew) Nieuwland, Karli McMillan, Sheri Steele, Dustin Westley and his nieces and nephews – Dane, Easton, Cash, Westley, Emma, Deakinn, and Kate. He is survived by Kirsti’s parents Dwayne and Shannon Anjewierden, sister-in-laws Ashley Anjewierden (Shelby Brey), Reagan Anjewierden and brother-in-law Alec Anjewierden.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022, at 11:00 AM at the Crescent North Stake Building, 1050 East 10600 South Sandy, Utah. Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on Thursday September 29, 2022, at the Crescent North Stake Building from 6 to 8 PM and again on Friday prior to services from 9:00 to 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers a GoFundMe account has been set up for Kirsti, Brooks and Oliver to pay for medical and living expenses.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/austins-cancer-journey-end

The post Austin David Westley appeared first on Memorial Mortuaries.