Austin Gerlach

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Austin Clay Christian Gerlach, age 20, on Monday, June 8th, 2015, after an incredibly brave battle with cancer. Austin was born on August 19, 1994, in Swift Current and was joyfully welcomed by his parents, Clay & Tammy Gerlach. He was a true blessing with a ready smile and a big heart for everyone. He attended St. Pat’s, St. Joe’s and Irwin Middle School. He was enjoying all aspects of being a teenager at the Comp High School when in the summer of 2011, just as he was going to start his grade 12 year, he and his family received the devastating diagnosis of a rare cancer in his jaw. The chemo and radiation schedules were grueling but there was always the hope that treatment could rid him of this disease. Austin never said “Why me?” He would just say “Don’t worry, I will be fine.” Austin had amazing medical care in the last four years with doctors in Saskatchewan, Alberta, New York and finally New Jersey. Very special nurses made sure that even though he was in the hospital a lot of the time, his birthday was never forgotten. Many of the doctors told Austin he was an inspiration to them with his attitude towards the situation, but to his family....that was just Austin. He was never able to be in remission with this disease but he took all the bad news over and over again with dignity. Despite all the chemo, radiation, surgeries and travelling to the United States for a cure, it was not to be. Austin kept his family strong, never complaining and trying to be positive. In June 2012, he was able to graduate with his class and in 2013, he finished all his school credits by correspondence. From a very young age Austin was always occupied with lights, tools and sprinklers. He played indoor, outdoor and rep soccer for many years. He also loved skateboarding and as he got older BMX biking. Besides the sports, his greatest love and obsession was electronics and car audio. He would dissect everything he could find that was broken just to see how they worked and in most cases fixed them. The Gerlach house was always rocking with his loud subs and amps and light shows for added effects. Austin made over 100 videos on YouTube as Basslover201, helping people with their home and car systems and wiring projects. During his illness he designed and constructed volt meters that are now being used by many of his Basshead friends in the United States. Austin was very proud to be called a Basshead. He befriended older and younger people online that had the same interests as him and was a member of many bass groups. Their kind and constant messages helped him many days get through the treatments and time spent in hospitals. He had hoped to someday been able to have met some of them in person. Austin’s first job was at the Co-op in the meat department. He went from there to Dollarama, where he enjoyed working when his illness was diagnosed. Austin also did DJ jobs. Some of his favorite times were being able to do the lights and music for the Comp Dry Grad and the Spookerama. Austin was a great friend and always wanted to help people. His parents always joked that he could make friends with a rock. He didn’t care if you were popular, a nerd, a jock or had a disability. If you were his friend, you were his friend no matter what. He included everyone and spoke up for what he thought was right. He was a great example to his younger brother, Jarett, and Clay and Tammy are extremely proud to be his parents. Austin will be so dearly missed in their lives. There were many fundraisers and benefits for Austin and his family during his illness. Austin was overwhelmed by his community in their generosity. He was surprised that so many people wanted to help. When it became clear that he would not survive the disease, Austin wanted to give back to other people struggling with illnesses. He gave instructions for donations to be made to various individuals in need and to a charitable group that is so wonderful to sick kids: The Children’s Wish Foundation. Austin is survived by his parents, Clay & Tammy; his brother, Jarett; his grandparents, Jake & Gerry Gerlach and Peter & Darlene Graf; his Uncle Dean & Aunt Val, Jamie and Jillian Gerlach: Uncle Brent Gerlach: Uncle Dean & Auntie Sherry, Montana and Dylan Adair: and Uncle Kelly & Auntie Tracey, Nicole, Tanner, Brooklyn, Halleigh, Cadence Graf.

The Funeral Service was held on Monday, June 15th, 2015, at 2:00 pm from the Eastside Church of God, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Kevin Snyder officiating. A reading, “The Unfinished” was read by Jamie Gerlach. Tributes were shared by Garry Hammer, Sherry Graf-Adair, Jarret Gerlach (read by Pastor Kevin Snyder), Clay & Tammy Gerlach (read by Jill Gerlach), and a PowerPoint video presentation. The chosen recessional song was “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. The Urn Bearer was Jarret Gerlach. Honorary pallbearers were all of Austin’s Basshead friends spread over Canada, Australia and the United States. He was very proud to be one of you. A video montage of Austin’s life can be found on his Facebook page. In memory of Austin Gerlach, donations made to The Children’s Wish Foundation would be appreciated by the family.  

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