ASCOT, UK (23 Apr 2004) -- TWO young divers killed in a tragic accident over the Easter weekend met through the sport they loved. Hank Austin, 25, from Ascot, and his girlfriend, Janine Davison-Evans, 27, from Stockton-on-Tees, died after exploring a maze of underwater tunnels at the National Diving Centre in Gloucestershire. Hank's mother, Janet, told reporters: "He was very caring towards others, a good teacher and just an amazing person who was very kind and thoughtful." An Ascot boy, Hank was living in the home he grew up in with his parents and younger brother Andy, 22, in New Road. Janine was working as a nanny in Sunningdale and had been Hank's girlfriend since Christmas. His father John said: "It seems such a tragic shame. He and Janine have been taken away from us. They hadn't been together long, but there was a spark there we recognised." Hank's passion for scuba diving was sparked from his time at the Air Training Cadets, where he worked up from probation officer to a full warrant officer before becoming an adult warrant officer, allowing him to remain in the service until he was 55 years-old. His love for the ATC gave him the chance to train young cadets and pursue a variety of outdoor pursuits. Mr Austin said: "He was very interested in the water. Through the ATC he started snorkelling then progressed onto diving. He had been doing it for years." | | His dedication to the sport saw him diving almost every weekend at locations around the country and increasingly with the crew through the week. But is was not just diving that consumed his time. Another passion was fishing with his family, especially with brother Andy. Each year they would spend a week camping out and fishing day and night, mainly at Deep Lake in Bognor. Mr Austin said: "He lived life to the full." A pupil of Cranbourne, Ascot Heath and Ranelagh schools, Hank later became a chef after completing a course at Thames Valley University and worked for several local companies. Mrs Austin said: "I think friends will remember him as bubbly, full of life with a cheeky grin. He had that cheeky spark." The funeral service for Hank will take place at St Peter's Church, Cranbourne on Thursday, April 29. Mr Austin said: "We want to celebrate his life and the 25 years he's given us. Any friends and colleagues are very welcome to attend, it's an open invitation." Instead of sending flowers, mourners are asked to make a donation to 'Hank's Memorial Funds' through Lines Bannister Funeral Directors or the family. SOURCE - icBerkshire |
