Ronald M. Owen July 11, 1932 - May 19, 2012

Ronald M. Owen passed peacefully at the home he shared with his son, Michael Owen, daughter-in-law Lynn and daughter Sandee Rollins.

He was born July 11, 1932 in Oakland, California, and lived in Mill Valley. He went to serve on the USS Bairoko and USS Philippine Sea as a flight director in the Korean War. After his hitch in the service, he met the love of his life, Velma Kortum, while he washed dishes in the club where she worked.

They married shortly after. Ron then worked as a truck driver, hauling up and down I-5.

They started their family - three daughters and one son: Toni, Terry, Michael and Sandee. Ron then started his own business with his wife and son Michael. They built centerboards for sail boats, star boats and eventually wood sculling shells.

He moved to Sisters in the early '80s, where Ron, Velma and Michael had Owen Boat Works.

Velma passed in 1986. Shortly after, he moved around Sweet Home, Tualatin, Reedsport, Colville, Washington, and Salem, finally moving back to Sisters, where his son purchased their old home back. This was the place his heart was. He spent time on his hobbies, model airplanes and feeding all the birds, chipmunks and squirrels in the neighborhood.

He will be at rest with daughter Terry, Velma, brother Richard and both his parents. He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Partners in Care Hospice, 2075 N.E. Wyatt Ct., Bend, OR 97701, www.partnersbend.org.

Information provided by the family of Ronald M. Owen.