Austin Joseph Zylstra
December 27th 1997-April 2nd 2020.

“I know many people are facing hardships financially but unfortunately we can not anticipate what can happen at any given moment. I woke up today, April 2nd,  to learn my 22 year old brother passed away suddenly. We currently still do not fully understand how or why this happened. A penny, a dime, a dollar can go a long way for me and my family right now and we appreciate anything spared as we try to afford the worst thing we’ve experienced. Thank you so much.

So here is a little bit about my baby brother: He was my best friend along with my other little brother. He didn’t party, instead he enjoyed nerding out on magic the gathering, making his own YouTube videos, and playing video games. He was awkward but in a way that always made me laugh. He was the most easy going person I’ve ever known, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him mad. It breaks my heart that I’ll never get to tease my little brother again.”

The words above are those of my best friend/sister Heather. I’ve known Heather and her family for almost 20 years now and hearing the news that Austin passed away this morning broke my heart. I’d known Austin since he was just a baby. He was the kindest most gentle person I have ever known. He was shy, quiet, nerdy and awkward but that was just Austin. I know right now everyone is facing difficult times and going through financial hardships and anything you can spare to help Heather and her family, my family, during this very unexpected loss in an already hard time is greatly appreciated