Chris Austin, 69, passed away in Eugene, OR surrounded by his children and grandchildren on August 10, 2025. He was a father, musician, outdoorsman, and behavioral health worker.He was the son of Ardis M. and Robert E. Austin and was raised with his sister, Holly, in Highland Park, IL. He completed his high school education at Windsor Mountain School in Lenox, MA.He spent most of his life in Lake County, IL, where he made a meaningful impact on the local community as a substance abuse counselor, specializing in dual-diagnosis care and working across several organizations in his career. At various points, was a clinical supervisor, counselor, or consultant for many entities, developing care programs for both adolescents and adults. He notably helped to create the first psychiatric floor in the nation to focus on dual-diagnosis care at Highland Park Hospital, shifting the lens from treating symptoms to healing people. As an outdoorsman, he also co-created Wonstep, an outdoor treatment program for adolescents in Baraboo, WI that combined the healing of nature with comprehensive behavioral care. Later, Chris was a mental health consultant for Lake County Drug Court for many years, aiding in the development of a prison diversion program set up to address the root cause of a person’s criminal behavior and substance misuse to treat disorders and prevent recidivism. Shortly before he moved to Eugene, OR to be near his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, his career shifted focus to work primarily on substance misuse treatment. He worked in behavioral services up until his death, most recently at Willamette Family, Inc. Throughout his career in behavioral health, Chris was highly-regarded for his hard-earned knowledge, his profound poise in moments of stress, his tireless advocacy for his patients, and his expertise in treatment program design. After decades, he would still eagerly acknowledge he had “a passion for the work” and he was also a beloved mentor to so many professionals with whom he worked. His contributions saved countless lives and he understood that it was vital that he teach others how to do the same.

Although his career was a major component of his life, his passion and heartbeat was his creative work as a prolific blues-rock guitarist. A lifelong musician, he performed in many groups from the 1970s up until his death - Sheba, Never Look Back, Joe Rockhead, Goheen, and The Wicked Koalition, to name a few. Chris shared the stage with countless musicians and friends across the country, always ready to support an act, record session work, or jam. He found music to be his true friend, healer, and motivator in life, and was often seen with his beloved 1991 Gibson Les Paul Custom.

Together with his former spouse Kristina L. Austin (Suhr), he had two children Dr. Sean C. Austin (Hannah) and Madelynn K. Austin, as well as three grandchildren - Ethan C. Austin, Miles T. Austin, and Quinn P. Austin. He was endlessly proud of Sean in the continuation of social services and behavioral health work, Hannah in her artistry and work as a music teacher, and Madelynn in her social service and artistry.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents Ardis M. Austin and Robert E. Austin, sister Hollis M. Slager (Austin), and nephews George and Justin Slager.

In lieu of flowers, Chris’ family would love contributions to the higher education fund of his grandchildren in his honor to continue the “good work.”There are two celebration of life services:

-Eugene, OR hosted by his family at their residence on Sunday, August 17, 2025, 2-5 PM.

-Kenosha, WI hosted by his family at their residence on Saturday September 27, 2025, 2- 5 PM. 

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