Kenneth E. Owen

Kenneth E. Owen Jan. 29, 1927 - Aug. 17, 2011 Resident of Walnut Creek, CA. Kenneth Eugene Owen was born in Fresno, CA to Orin Kelly Owen and Elizabeth Hausam Owen. The Owen family, including Ken's brother Orin K. Owen, moved to Berkeley in 1942. Ken served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. After the war, Ken earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Armstrong College in Berkeley. He also attended the College of Arts and Crafts and UC Berkeley. Ken worked for 11 years in the steel industry before capturing his dream job as the Business Officer of the Department of Zoology at UC Berkeley. Ken loved CAL and worked there for 22 years before retiring in 1986. Ken is survived by his devoted wife Verona (Plemmons) Owen; his loving children Doug Owen and Helen Roiz of Castro Valley, CA and Colleen "Teddy" and Ken Palmer of Lafayette, CA; grandchildren Shawn and Trista Scarbrough of Colorado Springs, CO; Bill Cox of Montrose, CO, Elizabeth and Will Edwards of Kelso, WA, Melissa Palmer and Dustin Gianotti of Pleasanton, CA, and Andy Palmer of Lafayette, CA; and eight great-grandchildren. Ken was predeceased by his parents, his brother and his daughter Laurie Owen. Ken loved California and often spoke with great enthusiasm of his appreciation for its diverse terrains, animals, back roads and passes. Running, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking, nature watching, and beachcombing were ways that he connected with his passion for the outdoors. Ken discovered running in his early 40s and enjoyed daily runs in Berkeley as well as longer week-end runs and races including the Dipsea Race, Devil Mountain Run and many others. His love of running has been passed on to some of his grandchildren, which pleased him greatly. A descendent of early pioneers, Ken enjoyed tracing family history dating as far back as 1622 in Wales. He enjoyed sharing family stories and historical discoveries during family dinners. He also enjoyed working with his hands on redwood burl and leather crafts, building, writing, playing guitar and ukulele, and gardening. He often invited his family to enjoy these hobbies with him. A man who took the road less traveled, who was happy being himself and being with those close to him, he was loved by many and will be missed. Ken once said, "Nothing ever disappears - it just changes from what it was to something new." He is now enjoying heavenly adventures with family and friends - both from the past and to follow him later. The family will be holding a private memorial service. If desired, donations may be made in Ken's name to either Hospice of the East Bay in Pleasant Hill, CA or The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in Walnut Creek, CA.