Owen E. Heninger

1929 - 2015

Owen Earl Heninger, M.D., R.P.T., (age 85) died peacefully in his sleep, March 4, 2015 after several months of failing health. Owen is mourned by his wife of 62-years Audrey Olson Heninger; son Gregory Owen Heninger, daughter Jody Heninger Kozak (Greg,) brother George Robert Heninger (Julie,) grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Owen grew up in Provo, Utah, living with three siblings (Mary, George, and John) in a State house, because their father, Owen Pratt Heninger, was Superintendent of the State Mental Hospital. Mother Rachel Cannon Heninger was a revered community volunteer and pianist. The Heninger children were encouraged to serve their fellow citizens, to explore their world, and to excel in their education. Owen grew into a bright, likeable, enthusiastic adventurer.

At Brigham Young High School, Owen met his future-wife, Audrey. After high school, Owen served in the National Guard and U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged, returned to Provo to marry Audrey in 1952.

Owen graduated from Brigham Young University, and New York Flower and Fifth Avenue Medical College. Owen served his internship at Los Angeles County General Hospital, and completed his residency in psychiatry at Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk, CA. In 1964, Owen achieved his Board Certification in Psychiatry, and established his private practice in Whittier, CA. Owen avidly supported education about mental health. He served as chairman of the committee to organize the psychiatric unit at Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Whittier, CA. He also served as assistant clinical professor at USC School of Medicine, teaching family practice residents.

Owen continued his education and became a Registered Poetry Therapist. From 1975-1997, Owen published widely in the field of poetry therapy; and was closely associated with Dr. Arthur Lerner in developing the field. Owen served on the Editorial Board of The Journal of Poetry Therapy. He was former President of the American Psychiatric Arts Association, former director of courses in poetry therapy at annual meetings of the American Psychiatric Association.

Owen closed his private practice in 1995, He worked full-time for four more years in the psychiatric field at Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center, and Long Beach Mental Health Services. And from 1999-2008 he was a part-time psychiatric consultant at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.

Owen was an active volunteer in Lion's Club and Rotary Club. He was a dedicated supporter of Boy Scout Troop 936, and accompanied the troop on hikes for ten years.

In 1990, Owen was enthused by artists Christo and Jeanne Claude's art installations. Owen befriended the pair, and worked as a monitor on The Umbrella Project over Tejon Pass in 1991. In retirement, Owen stayed busy writing memoirs and short stories with two writing groups. He was always happy to read his stories aloud, and to see them published in local papers.

A private family service was held in March.