When the fishing industry collapsed in Champney’s West, N.L., many families were left devastated.
But one resident recognized the need to boost morale and turn a tragedy into hope. Donning props, and clutching a musical instrument, Austin George Anthony Hookey stomped onto the stage for the annual Champney’s West Variety Concert and began to entertain the rural, close-knit community.
His jigs and slapstick humour were like nothing anyone had seen before – or would forget.
“Spirits were pretty low here, but he took our minds off the fear of uncertainty for the future, money or direction,” said Wanda Freeman Pippy, while remembering her treasured family friend who passed May 19 from cancer at age 84.
“He had such a comical and bright personality. Austin would dress-up as an older woman, a doctor, a bounty hunter, you name it and perform on stage in a very dynamic way. Everyone in the audience was hooked and would tear-up in laughter,” she said.
“Austin loved making people laugh while always staying true to himself. He had no book or paper for the lines of his bold skits, so it was like watching an acrobat perform – you never knew what came next.”
Elizabeth “Betty” Hookey said her husband of 62 years had a natural gift for music and entertaining.
“He came from a musical family. Austin could play anything, the guitar, fiddle, accordion. Whatever instrument he picked-up, with so much talent, he could have performed in Hollywood.”
She acknowledged, through tears, “I have 96 cards, letters, and counting, for condolences on Austin’s passing. He was so special to everyone, and he touched the hearts of even people I do not know. He enjoyed his life, a happy-go-lucky man that will be well-missed. He meant everything to me.”
Every year, Hookey enthusiastically participated in the cardboard boat races in Champney’s harbour, defying gravity laws in his homemade vessel.
“He never once tipped or swam back. Austin was 80 years old when he last participated, and he maintained his record,” Pippy said, while acknowledging she joined the cheerful spectators to see Hookey perform and the carnage unfold with the other boaters.
Hookey had a passion for everything related to the outdoors, taking his family fishing, hunting, berry picking, or simply walking the beaches with his grandchildren. He welcomed a kitchen party, volunteered wherever he could, read sermons at church, and always wore a smile, followed by a friendly greeting or a “signature” wave.
“He could turn a boring moment into something fun. I remember, he made all his family play guitars on stage with him except Betty, his wife, who had to play the ‘knockers.’ Austin was comical like that, but Betty went along with the fun. He always encouraged her. He was awesome.”
Champney’s West Variety Concert will soon celebrate its 28th year, except it will be different from now on.
“To not have Austin will be very difficult, but we will carry on in his name,” said Pippy.
“He put everything into keeping this community going. He was a leader, an ambassador. If you met Austin, you would never forget him – a timeless personality. You would never think of him as old, despite his age. His legacy in the community, smile, and laughter lives on in all our hearts.”
