OWENS
Soren John
John passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents Soren and Kathleen Owens. John is survived by his loving wife Rae of 37 years; brothers Patrick (Barb) of Sherwood Park, AB and Owen (Ellen) of Eston, SK; sisters Sheila (Walter) of Vancouver, BC and Mary Jane (Brian) of Regina, SK and numerous nieces and nephews who each had a special place in his heart. John was a member of the Knights of Columbus. John went with his wife Rae to the Yukon Territory in 1972 as an Executive Director for the Yukon Association of Non-Status Indians (YANSI). During his 16 years in the north John worked for Foothills Pipeline plus owned and operated a successful Radio Shack store. Upon leaving the Yukon in 1988 a trip across Canada brought Rae and John to Lethbridge, AB. John worked for the Federal Business Development Bank (FBDB) and Community Futures. His many years as Executive Director of Catholic Charities Clothes Bank gave him much joy and contact with special people. Early 2004 saw Rae and John answering the call to come and be leaders for L'Arche Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. This community soon came to accept and embrace John, as John came to love and care for each person in a special way. He enjoyed first being with the people as he so often said "wasting time together". Each one touched and transformed him as he became their good and kind friend. John was a hockey player and a coach of a young adult team in the Yukon. He loved time in his woodworking shops with his many tools, reading and singing. John was a good and kind friend who was whatever you needed him to be. He had a twinkle in his eye who valued each person, saw their beauty and their gift. John worked hard to get the job done. He was a compassionate man who loved and walked with God each day and loved his church. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Saturday, February 28, 2009 with burial at Courtenay Civic Cemetery. COMOX VALLEY FUNERAL HOME CREAMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE, 1101 RYAN ROAD, COURTENAY entrusted with arrangements. For those wishing, donations can be made in John's memory to L'Arche Comox Valley, 491B-4th Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1G9 would be appreciated.