NEWBERG, Ore., June 5, 2013 – It is with great sadness that A-dec marks the passing of its co-founder, Joan D. Austin.
Joan Austin unexpectedly died in her sleep in the early morning hours of June 5 at her Newberg home. She was 81. Her husband Ken Austin was at her side.
Son-in-law and A-dec President & CEO Scott Parrish announced to A-dec employees today that A-dec is grieving the loss of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, business leader, and genuine altruist.
Joan (pronounced Jo Ann) is survived by her husband Ken Austin, two children and five grandchildren, all residents of Newberg and its surrounding area. Son G. Kenneth Austin III is married to Celia Strickland Austin. Daughter Loni Austin Parrish is married to Scott Parrish.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Joan,” says Parrish. “Aside from Joan's dedication, breadth of experience, rich insight and business acumen, it’s her enormous capacity to give that will create the greatest void.” He also reassured employees of the family’s commitment to remain a family-owned business in Newberg.
Joan Austin was co-owner and co-chair of the board for A-dec, Inc., the largest privately-owned dental equipment manufacturing company in the United States. She and husband Ken founded the company in October 1964. Up until her death, Joan was involved in the company’s administrative, personnel, philanthropic, financial and legal operations.
In addition, Joan served as president of Austin Industries and Springbrook Properties. She was also the vision behind Newberg’s world-class hotel, restaurant and spa— The Allison Inn & Spa — an award-winning destination venue that serves as a gateway to Oregon’s Wine Country.
The company Joan co-founded with her husband Ken pioneered many of the innovations used in dental treatment rooms today, which include dental chairs, delivery systems, and dental lights. For clinical handpieces, A-dec also partners with global companies such as W&H in Bürmoos, Austria.
Today, A-dec employs more than 1,000 people. The company markets its manufactured dental products to dental professionals in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Joan Austin (nee Zemke) was born Sept. 25, 1931, in Glenwood, Minnesota, to Herman and Esther Zemke. The family moved to Oregon when Joan was a small child. Joan graduated from Newberg Union High School in 1948 and holds several honorary degrees and distinguished awards. Joan met Ken Austin in Newberg and the couple was married in 1953.
Joan was very active in the greater Yamhill County and Oregon, and was an ardent supporter of education, the arts, youth and government. She served as a board member of Oregon Business Council, a lifetime trustee of the Oregon State University Foundation, and served as a trustee of Linfield College from 1982 to 2006.
Joan holds the distinction as the first woman to chair the Board of Directors for Associated Oregon Industries. Elected in 1992, she served in that capacity for two years and continued to participate as a board member of Associated Oregon Industries and the AOI PAC.
Joan remained active in the company and in the community up until the time of her death.
A memorial service has not yet been announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to any charity in memory of Joan D. Austin.