March 20, 1935 – May 16, 2025
Austin Harlick passed away peacefully at the age of 90, on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Cypress Regional Hospital, surrounded by family.
The youngest of nine children, Austin was born on March 20, 1935, near Frontier, Saskatchewan, to Katherine and Paul Harlick. He grew up on the family farm and attended Uxbridge School.
Austin married Irene (Gust) on June 11, 1955, in Medicine Hat, Alberta. They made their home in Eastend, Saskatchewan, where they raised their three children—Bruce, Cheryl, and Sandra—before relocating to Swift Current in 1974.
Austin began his career working for a contractor in Medicine Hat, gaining experience as a heavy equipment operator, and later joined the L.I.D. in Eastend, first as an operator and then as a foreman. In 1963, faced with a transfer to northern Saskatchewan, Austin instead chose a different path. He drew out his superannuation, secured a loan, and bought a well-used John Deere tractor, laying the foundation for what would become a successful business.
He established A.J. Harlick Earthmoving Ltd. that same year, taking on local work and growing the business steadily. His son Bruce joined the company in 1973, and together they expanded operations after moving to Swift Current. Over five decades, the company built more than 1,800 kilometres of grid roads throughout southern Saskatchewan. Austin continued working well into his 80s before reluctantly retiring.
Austin was a long-time member of the Saskatchewan Roadbuilders Association, serving on the Board of Directors and as Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Roadbuilders Safety Association. In addition to his earthmoving business, he also owned the Caravel and Civic Motels and pursued other ventures. One of his proudest moments came in 1981 when he and his brother Rudy purchased the Harlick Homestead and later received the ISC Century Family Farm Award.
Known for his tireless work ethic and sharp wit, Austin remained deeply connected to the southwest, his lifelong home. He frequently explored its backroads and communities, even in his later years. Although he and Irene eventually went their separate ways, they remained connected through family, and shared holidays—Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving—were spent together, something the family always cherished.
Austin was also an avid traveller, visiting many countries and creating lasting memories with his children and grandchildren on family vacations.
He is survived by his son Bruce (Angie), and granddaughter McKenna (Jared) and their children Raelynn and Colter; his daughter Cheryl (Carey) Zacharias and their children Lyndsi (Jeff) Downie and their sons Nixson and Zachary, and Lyndon (Kenley) and their son Asher; and his daughter Sandra and her children Riley (Taylor) Sharp and Madison Sharp (Devin). He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Rudy and Elsie Harlick, sister-in-law Margaret Gust, numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved cat, Patches.
Austin was predeceased by his infant son Dale, his parents Paul and Katherine Harlick, siblings Paul, Edward, Mary, Oscar, Rosie, Carl, and Mildred, the mother of his children Irene Harlick, and his son-in-law Brian Sharp.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Lim, the ER nurses, the staff on Unit 4, and the team at Cypress House for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Austin in his final months.
At Austin’s request, there will be no funeral, but a private family interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Austin’s memory may be made to the Swift Current SPCA or the Canadian Cancer Society, two causes close to his heart.
Arrangements entrusted to: Warren’s Funeral Home. For further information please call (306) 773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.