Kenneth George Owen

Ken was born in Vernon Jubilee Hospital, October 16th, 1929, then grew up in the house that still stands today near downtown Vernon. As a teenager, Ken started working at Vernon Hardware Store also in the downtown. After proving his talent at ‘tin- bashing’, he was recruited to work for Eldon Seymour at SP Seymour Plumbing and Heating. With hard work and great business sense, Ken later bought the business with partner Denis Seymour and once again, this business still successfully stands today.

Dad’s first ever flight was in the kit plane, ‘City of Vernon’ built in 1935 by Eldon Seymour and Jim Duddle. From the day Dad took his first flight he always had a keen interest in airplanes. He often enjoyed watching the planes take off and land at local airports.  Dad loved to travel for many years and saw many countries over his lifetime and also enjoyed years of road trips with both trailers and a beloved camper that he customized.

A popular, well-established businessman, Ken was known to the entire community. He was one of the original founders and board members of Spallumcheen Golf Course. As a shareholder and avid golfer along with lifelong friend Bill Simms, he was a builder and contributor and was even involved in the planting of the willow trees we see at the course today. Ken and first wife Lois, (First Ladies Club Captain), they introduced and hosted the Husband-and-Wife tournament for many years.

In his young years his passions included raising pigeons, and building and flying model airplanes, even designing a fuel tank allowing for record-breaking flight times. Dad built his first home, one of the very first homes on the East Hill, by going paycheque to paycheque as he told us. Ken always loved gardening, attending to his backyard pools, and woodworking as these were all his happy place. Over a lifetime, his love of woodworking afforded all his family members with many children’s toys, flowers, birdhouses, vases, whirlybirds, and pieces of furniture, etc., which leaves a legacy and memory for all of us. One year, a selection of beautiful wooden children’s toys was also donated to the children’s hospital in Vancouver.

Ken loved doing all kinds of sports, skating, playing golf and coaching and refereeing minor hockey. He loved watching Blue Jays baseball, football, curling, hockey, and figure skating on television. As a young father, dad loved to watch his son, Jim, play hockey and his daughter, Stacey,  figure skate, building many back yard rinks for them in the winters.

One of his favourite pastimes was coffee time with the guys, so often picking up the ‘shut-ins and making a point to include the singles sitting by themselves. Lots of good chats were had on these many mornings.

We will miss the endless and interesting historical stories that Dad was telling us right up to his passing as he peacefully went to sleep. We will remember Ken as the kindest, gentlest, and most loving and generous man who loved every aspect of life. He never spoke ill of anyone, and he lived every day of his 94 years to the fullest. We often referred to dad as the “man with nine lives” as he had many fulfilling and beautiful chapters to his life. He will be dearly missed and leaves a great void in many lives.

Dad will be lovingly remembered by his family: son Jim (Sue, Bobbi, (Shawn) and Logan), daughter Stacey, (Gary, Evan, (Zoey) and Blake), stepdaughters Marie, ((Rendall), Del, (Amy), Shayne, (Mikayla)), and Pat, (Jeff) and his wife, June, and her family, Bob (Renae), Doug (Janet), Jan (Mike), and Leanne (Dennis). Also included are Ken’s three beloved great-grandchildren, Chase, Gage, and Renli.

Dad was pre-deceased by his first wife Lois, his second wife Kay, his mother and father, Nellie and George, and sisters Keitha and Kathleen.

At his wishes, there will be a private family gathering for the internment. This will be followed by a Reception for friends and family at 2 to 4pm, on Friday August 16th at the Vernon First Baptist Church at 1406 32nd Avenue. Those friends who wish to pay their respects to Ken, please join us at the reception to celebrate this great man.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: