To say Austin Lamb had a strong personality is an understatement. His acerbic wit, sense of humor and intelligence drew the admiration and sometimes ire of his co-workers. The grandson of Indian immigrants, he regaled his colleagues with anecdotes about being raised in a multicultural family in Texas.
When he was hired at age 26, Austin demonstrated his talent for creative out-of-the-box thinking and ability to challenge convention, recalls Lydia Dody, founder of Style Magazine. “As an executive editor in 2005 and then creative director, his unconventional approach to creative problem solving resulted in bringing the magazine to a higher standard,” Dody said.
He graduated from Perryton High School in 1997 and was an active member of the tennis team. In 2001, he graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, where he majored in art.
When Style changed ownership in 2017, incoming publisher Tonja Randolph was impressed with his ability to sense a need and offer help when he could. “When I acquired Style, Austin quickly became my go-to guy for just about anything,” said Randolph.
“He had spunk and charisma—the kind of person that everyone wanted to be around.”
Style staffers fondly recall him being available for tech support. He was usually the first person in the office. He made it known that he didn’t like dogs, but grudgingly accepted his role in a dog-friendly workplace.
He loved playing golf, cracking jokes and generally always being there for those who needed him. He was very close to his family, and doted on his parents, sisters, brothers-in-law, and niece.
He passed away a month shy of his 40th birthday.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
