It is not unusual to enter The Woodlands and find the Bistro full of residents singing and dancing along to their special birthday commemoration song. What is rare, however, is to be celebrating with a fellow resident, Austin C., on his 101st birthday!
Like many of our residents, Austin is a lifelong Washingtonian. He grew up in the Bethesda area and attended Bethesda Chevy Chase High School. He continued his studies at Southeastern University in Washington, D.C., and was working toward a law degree when duty called and he went into the Army. He spent five years in the service as a member of the 495th Bombardment Squadron, while his lovely bride-to-be waited for him to return home from the war. Austin finished his studies, received his law degree and began a new chapter in his life. He and his wife started a family and had four wonderful children. As important of his love of country and family, however, was his faith. Austin says he attended Mass almost every morning after returning home, and he has never missed Communion on a Good Friday.
He settled into his law practice, where he flourished, eventually becoming a partner in a Bethesda firm that specialized in real estate and estate planning. A few of his achievements include past president of the Bar Association of Montgomery County and past chairman of the board of DANAC Real Estate Investment Corporation. And, of course, there’s the weekend golf trip that he organized while bar association president that is still in existence today! He had the pleasure of working with his son for many years before retiring at the age of 86. That’s no typo—we said 86! You will still find him today, reminiscing with family members and other residents about his years practicing law in Montgomery County.
Austin says, above all else, he credits his “relationship with the Lord” for strengthening him throughout his lifetime. “I’ve always had the backing of my family. Whether I’m up or down, they are always there to help.” Austin remarried after his first wife passed away and, sadly, he recently lost his second wife of 40 years. Austin will often tell you that he has been truly blessed in his life, with two wonderful wives, an amazing family, and his faith in God. We are fortunate as well to have Austin Carlin and his family as part of our family here at Kensington Park.