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Ken Owen Obituary
November 1, 1969 - November 30, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth Gifford Owen announces his passing. He was an amazing husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. Tragically, Ken suffered an ischemic stroke earlier in the week and he passed away unexpectedly on November 30, 2024 at the age of 55 in Chico, CA. Ken was born on November 1, 1969 to Marilyn and Norman Owen.
Ken was born in Berkeley and raised in Walnut Creek, CA attending Northgate High School where he graduated in 1988. He went on to attend Chico State University, earning both a bachelor's and master's degree in Exercise Physiology. Ken began his career working in physical therapy and in his mid-30s, he wanted to do more to help others and became a Physician Assistant attending UC Davis where he graduated in 2007.
Ken married Susan Girardot on July 15, 1995 - the love of his life since the 3rd grade but they did not begin dating until college. Together they built a wonderful life together in Chico and were incredible partners for each other. They enjoyed home projects and Ken was a tremendous craftsman. Sue always loved and owned horses and people used to ask Ken... do you love horses too and he would always reply "No, but I love them because she loves them". In 2019, they made a dream come true and built a beautiful home in Kalispell, Montana where Sue's family lived. They spent each Summer & Fall there together enjoying the outdoors - Ken loved to fly fish and together they would drift on the river with their 2 dogs and enjoy the beauty of Montana.
His second love and true mission in life was caring for others. Over his 17 year career as a PA-Certified, he worked in many areas of medicine, most recently in orthopedic surgery and trauma at Orthopedic Associates and Enloe Hospital. In Montana, he worked at Logan Hospital in their urgent care facility. He was incredibly kind-hearted and had a remarkable ability to connect with others and make them feel so special. His family and friends jokingly called him Dr. Ken as he knew so much about medicine and was always willing to give his time to help others.
His family, friends and co-workers are heart broken and sad to lose such a wonderful person. The world will feel so different without Ken. He loved life and gave so much to others. His infectious personality, clever wit and ability to calm others will be greatly missed. On December 4th, Enloe Hospital where he worked, held an Honor Walk and as his final gift to others he donated his organs and tissue to save even more lives. We pray for those who receive a part of Ken that they live long lives and feel his spirit in them.
Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sue married 29 years; his siblings J Owen and Cheryl Owen Nelson, his brother-in-laws Jamie Nelson and Dave Girardot, his father-in-law Steve Girardot and his many nieces and nephew. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Marilyn and Norm Owen and mother-in-law Connie Girardot.
A Celebration of Ken's life will be held at a later date this Spring in Chico, CA. Memorial donations may be made to Cast Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization positively impacting underserved youth through free fly fishing and outdoor experience.
https://casthope-bloom.kindful.com/?campaign=1342399
His family would greatly appreciate others sharing your memories, stories and pictures of Ken so that we can celebrate together his wonderful life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Christina
January 13, 2025
There are very few people I couldn´t say no to .let alone on the ski slope . Last run of the day and the rest of the family is back warm and cozy at the cabin. Only Ken , a friend of his and myself left. We could be smart and and take the gondola or be stupid and say let´s go gun barrel . I wasn´t going to tell Ken no and he wasn´t going to tell me no. We survived gun barrels
Cheryl Nelson
December 23, 2024
So happy Sue shared this... Ken would be so happy to know the positive impact he had on other lives even as his last gift. We are going to miss him so much. Best brother and uncle ever!
Tom Amundson
December 20, 2024
I was around Ken during his therapy years and we were good friends both at work and after. I was always impressed with his talents. He was very bright and well liked by everyone. His obituary describes him so well. Can´t understand why he left his beautiful life but glad I had a chance to know him and I hope he is in good place now. My condolences to Sue and his family. Tom Amundson
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Greg and Keri Paulson
December 16, 2024
We have known Ken since college at Chico- over 30 years. So many funny wonderful memories with Ken. To know Ken is to love him. Over the years we didn´t see Ken and Sue as much, but when we did it was like no time had passed. This picture is from August of this year- Greg and our son Nick took a road trip up to Montana to see Ken and Sue. Nick likes to fly fish too- they had a great time and are really glad now that they were able to spend that time with them. Ken we will miss you so much! We love you- Keri & Greg Paulson
Karen Kastigar
December 15, 2024
I´m Ken´s sister Cheryl´s neighbor & I was blessed to have been at a few family functions. When I first met Ken several years back, I realized we had the Chico connection & that immediately drew me to more conversations with he & Sue. Then when I had the opportunity to help at his dad´s post memorial gathering, there started our little inside jokes. Ken was generous of heart, humor and health tips. These 3 things are what I will remember about him always. Although it was a huge shock when this happened, from that moment on, I had faith that Ken was with his mom and dad and was watching over all of his loved ones. Gone too soon, but never ever forgotten. Sending so much love to Sue and Cheryl and the entire family.
Kelsey Hall
December 14, 2024
I only really knew Ken from sporadic family gatherings and the precious time we all had together this summer in Italy. Ken always left me wanting more time with him; his sarcasm, crooked smile and quick wit were just the tip of the iceberg of a much more complex man who cared and loved deeply for the people around him. I was so looking forward to getting more time w him in Montana with his (and my) brother-in-law, Dave Girardot...guess that trifecta will have to wait for heaven my friend. - Travis
Recently met Ken & Sue when I went on a trip to Italy with them. Ken was one of the most welcoming people to ever exist. Making jokes with me and always up for adventure. He truly loved life. I´m happy I will have those memories with him even to known him for such a short time. - Kelsey
Cameron Clark
December 14, 2024
I'm Ken and Susan's neighbor in Kalispell, Montana. They are the best neighbors we have ever had! My last memory with him was fly fishing on the North fork of the black foot river together. He LOVED fly fishing and so do I :). We always exchanged pictures and stories. I can honestly he was one of the kindest most genuine people I have ever met. He was willing to do anything for anyone that needed help. I saw him out walking his dogs his dogs most mornings and half the time he was walking other people's dogs as well. He literally knew everyone in our subdivision! I asked him if he could help me with some mowing at our property and he mowed like 3 acres of our property the next day. Much more than I asked him to do. I just asked him to trim a few things :). It's was an honor getting to know him and his loss is deeply going to be felt. I'm really going to see him each year.
Chelsea Dunshee
December 13, 2024
I worked with Ken in the urgent care in Montana. He was such a great guy. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. My deepest and most sincere heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. He will surely be missed here in Montana.
Amy Gonter
December 13, 2024
I worked with Ken at the Urgent Care clinic in Kalispell Montana! We loved when it was time for him to return to work! He really was a fabulous guy! He was great with patients, had a fantastic sense of humor, and made our work day more pleasant! Our whole crew was beyond devastated to hear that he had passed! He knew I had zero tolerance for rude people, so when he heard of someone messing with my co-workers, he´d get a huge grin on his face and ask me, "You gonna go get mean to somebody!" Lol. Go get em in heaven Ken!
Jerilyn bodey
December 13, 2024
I was a work colleague from Montana ! We would prank each other every year with crazy Christmas presents ! Always having to one up each other. He was such a great mentor and friend !! One year I bought a bunch of Christmas ornaments that he would try to hide on Sue´s pretty tree , she always busted him, we would laugh about it a lot! I will dearly miss his friendship
Stephanie Sherwood
December 13, 2024
Susan was one of the first people I met when I began my Chico experience in 1988. It was through Sue that I met Ken and watched as their relationship grew. When they got married I was fortunate to be in their wedding.
Even though there were oceans between us, and years would pass between the times I would see them, they were always fun to be around. Ken would always take the time to listen, ask questions and talk about his life. He was engaging, he was present, he cared.
After my mom died, the next time I saw Ken he was asking me all about the situation. He really wanted to understand her death and my process. Because of his medical background he was able to comprehend and shed light on all of the events that had occurred. It was a therapeutic conversation for me and I appreciated his compassion.
In addition to being compassionate, Ken was also so funny! There is a song by the Counting Crows, "Mr Jones", and there is a part in the song where the singer makes a pronounced sound, but it isn´t an actual word. One night when a bunch of us were together Ken kept playing that song over and over again, reading the lyrics, asking people to guess what the singer was actually saying. Ken kept replaying that one part of the song over and over again and would drop to his knees being so performative, doing backwards bends and sliding on his knees pretending to be singing the song, it was SO funny. I don´t know who was there that night or if anyone remembers this because it was so long ago, but I have always thought about Ken every single time I hear that song.
I regret that I hadn´t seen Ken for so long, it´s been years. He was sunshine in human form and the world is a better place because of him being in it. He will be forever missed.
Dave Girardot
December 13, 2024
I am going to miss that guy so much. We had so many plans and so many fish to catch.
Jessica Hawkins
December 13, 2024
To say Ken was an amazing guy is an understatement. Knowing him for over 22 years somehow just doesn't seem like enough. All the memories made spending summers on the lake, nights around the firepit, adventures in Tahoe, road trips to DMB concerts, Kentucky Derby bourbon tasting, Superbowl parties and ringing in the new year together fill my heart with some of the best times of my life. Ken was also there for me through some of the worst and hardest times of my life opening his heart, home, and unwavering support in every way possible.
Ken's passing has left a huge void in so many people's hearts; I pray he knew he was loved beyond measure and left a great impact on so many. Ken, you were the big brother I always wanted, and I love you. My sincerest condolences go out to his family and all those that had the honor of calling Ken a friend.
Dyron Beavers
December 13, 2024
I still remember the first day we met seems like yesterday my friend, although it's been years since we've seen or spoken to one another I always thought you were always a good person. I wish we could have met up again in this life but I know I'll see you again on my day to visit Take care and I'll always cherish the friendship. Dyron
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