Robert L. Owens

Robert L Owens, a long time Stamford resident, died peacefully January 3rd, after a long battle with dementia. Bob was a resident at The Smith House Health Care Center for several years. He was born January 26th 1924 in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Cromwell and Margaret Owens.

Bob attended schools in North Dakota and graduated from NDSU in 1949 with a degree in Engineering. He was president of Sigma Chi Fraternity and Blue Key, president and founder of Rahjahs, president of the Interfraternity Council and Junior Class. He was president of the NDSU Foundation Board, president and founder of the Cass-Clay Alumni Association, and chairman of the President's Committee for Name Change.

Bob served with the US Air Force during WWII and retired as Captain from the North Dakota Air Force Reserve. He was very active with the North Dakota Republican Party serving as the National Chair of the North Dakota Young Republicans. He worked in broadcasting in North Dakota managing radio and television stations including KVOX and KXJB. He later worked for the Arbitron Corporation in Chicago and NYC where he eventually became Executive Vice President of Sales.

He was predeceased by his first wife Dorothy Abrahamson in 1963 and his sister Pat. Bob's greatest legacy is his family of whom he was extremely proud. He is survived by his former wife Sheila Powers Converse of Marion, MA and his children; Deborah Owens Crouse and her husband Willie of Littleton, CO, Betsy McGowan and her husband Frank of Norwalk, CT, Bob Owens and his wife Gwen Webster of Shelburne, VT, John Owens and his wife Iris of Queen Creek, AZ, Daniel Owens and his partner Dan Craver of Richmond, CA, Christina Tarr and her husband Kevin Donohue of Berkeley, CA, Thomas Owens and his wife Geri of Marion, MA and Patrick Owens and his wife Kimberly of Marion, MA. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren.

There will be no calling hours. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 9:30AM on Saturday, January 17 at Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton, CT. Arrangements for a committal service in Fargo, North Dakota are being made for next summer. Donations can be made to the Smith House Health Care Center in Stamford CT or to a charity of your choosing. Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home in Stamford handled the arrangements.