Austin Edward McClendon, Jr.

When I met and fell in love with Austin, I told him I was not looking for a long-term relationship. That formed the foundation of our 46 years together, staying together because we chose to stay together! Lauren

I took this photo at the Mellor Cabin in Aug 2013. Austin and I were quiet around each other, but I appreciated his sharing his time with us at the cabin. He enjoyed some of the short hikes and enjoyed the outdoors with the rest of us. I am so glad we shared that time together. Austin, you will be missed. You brought quiet reflection, peace, and tranquility to the cabin. Love Corie

“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” --Helen Keller

When I first met Austin back in 1966, Austin was running the Uptown Cafe and I was looking for a job. I first started as a waiter and then became the cook (not chief). So there we were together, Austin was out front managing things and I was out in the back cooking. I had never cooked before but i had experience eating. What I always love to tell is that Austin ran the Cafe with minimum cash flow so there were times when I would get an order for a salad and I would have to get some cash from Austin so I could run around the corner to the Stop and Shop on State Street to buy a head of lettuce! I had to run fast so I get the salad to the customer before they would complain. The times I spent with Austin at the Cafe formed the foundation of my friendship and love of Austin. Through the years we kept in touch and on my visits to Madison after I moved back to NYC, I would always make sure I saw Austin when I came to Madison. I love Austin because we always had this wonderful connection and deep bond. He also knew more about me than almost anyone I knew because he had seen me in so many important phases of my life. Austin was a close friend. Zach

My earliest memories go back to my freshman year, 1962.; Austin playing bridge in the Rat. Bob Parks and I were to play him and his partners over the years; it was a rare day that we could best them - that anyone can beat them. There are so many memories, music, the Uptown but the most memorable was a cold, freezing Madison day during the winter of 1964-65. We were raising money for SNCC. I was surprised as we discussed it over cards, when Austin said he would do something. Austin never went to meetings and rarely could be lured into mass group activities. I asked him what he had planned and he just smiled, that quiet Austin-knowing-smile with a slight nod. The next morning I headed to class and went to the Union. Out front on Langdon was Austin all bundled up. He stood next to a little food cart calling out "Hot Chestnuts, Chestnuts!" Till this day I have no idea where he got the cart, the Chestnuts, or had a clue as to how to prepare them. Paul Soglin