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Kenneth David John Owen
December 3, 1923 - October 24, 2014
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<div itemprop="description">OWEN, KENNETH DAVID JOHN <br />December 3, 1923 &ndash; October 24, 2014 <br /> <br />It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Kenneth David John Owen at the Perley Rideau Centre under the close watch of his amazing daughter Carrie who was devoted to his care for the last seven years. <br />Ken was 90 years old, born in Cannock England on December 3, 1923. He is predeceased by his wonderful, loving wife of 61 years Lorna Janet Ross and his sister Phyllis McLeod (Vincent McLeod). Ken is survived by his two daughters, Charmaine Carswell (Dwayne Carswell), and Carrie Owen (Brent Schwieg). He will be dearly missed by his nephew Terry McLeod and grandchildren Tyler Adams (Caeley Onsy), Matthew Carswell and Chelsea Carswell and Brittany Adams. <br />Ken, a son of English immigrants, was raised on a farm on the outskirts of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan through the Great Depression. He described it as a difficult time where he learned to be earnest, hardworking and independent. He also developed an appreciation of nature, animals and adventure. <br />Ken&rsquo;s dream was to fly. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He trained as a pilot, earned his wings and served Canada in World War II from 1942 to1945. He flew the Lancaster Bomber in the war. Ken and his crew were fortunate to successfully return to England five times from their missions. <br />Ken went on to obtain a Masters Degree of Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Toronto. He returned to the Air Force and was one of the engineer pilots that worked on the design and testing of the Avro Arrow. <br />Through the 1960&rsquo;s, Ken worked with the Department of Transportation, ultimately achieving the position of Director of Airworthiness. He represented Canada domestically and abroad by advancing aviation standards and providing expert testimony, (Dubin inquiry) on air safety issues and major incidents. He led in assessing new aircraft and aircraft navigation. He was recognized for the work he did on the French Concorde in the 1980&rsquo;s. <br />After retirement, Ken became a professor at Concordia University and taught aeronautical engineering well into his 70&rsquo;s. He also consulted internationally until the age of 84. He was a distinguished man who devoted his career to serving and protecting Canadians and Canadian air space. <br />While raising a family and maintaining a storied career, Ken&rsquo;s industrious spirit and unbridled curiosity saw him spending his time hosting friends and relatives, reading and studying, collecting clocks and antiques, building furniture, appreciating music, gardening and tackling any mechanical repair from vehicles to kitchen appliances. <br />Ken will be remembered by his family as a caring friend and father and as an incredibly, fun-loving grandfather. Sitting at the dinner table with Ken was memorable. Alongside his wife, he entertained family, neighbours, friends and dignitaries from all over the world. Ken could be counted on to introduce lively debate and regularly inject his patented quips and humour. These events always included the offering of fine scotch to soothe the experience. <br />The family wishes to thank the staff of Gatineau 2 North at the Perley and Rideau Health Veterans' Centre and Chartwell Kanata Retirement Residence for the individual care they provided to Ken. We are especially grateful for the devoted caregiving provided by Leslie Kahlil that ensured Ken continued to share his amazing qualities with others and participate in his community. We are indebted to Laura Healey and Ann Dobbins who committed to ensuring that Ken&rsquo;s life experiences and wonderful memories really mattered. <br />A Military Graveside Service will be held at the National Military Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. Friends and family are invited to gather from 11 a.m. in the Hall of Colours at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa. A reception to celebrate Ken&rsquo;s life will follow from 12 to 2 p.m. <br />In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County, at Ken's request. <br /></div>