Charles “Eddie” Owen

1937 ~ 2018

With both sadness and gentle relief, the family of Charles Edward “Eddie” Owen, announce his passing on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at the age of 81 with his family by his side.

He was predeceased by the love of his life Jeanne in 2016, after 58 years of marriage. He is survived by his four children, 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Daughter Deanne (Pete) Giesbrecht and their children, Chris (Cindy) and their children Sebastian and Liesl; Dex (Jessica) and their children Searra and Leo; Tasha. Daughter Jody (Brian) Kundrik, son Blaine (Darla) and their children Chelsea, Kamryn and Jacob and son Wes (Shanley) and their daughter Kailee.

Eddie was born to Ed Sr. and Helen Owen on June 26, 1937 in Lethbridge, Alberta. He was raised in the Cranford / Tempest area. He went to school in Coaldale and also attended SAIT for 2 years, taking Agricultural Mechanics. After marrying Jeanne (Rider) in 1958 they moved to the family farm north of Tempest. They sold the farm but remained on the acreage until 2003 when they moved to Coaldale. In 2014 Ed and Jeanne moved to Lethbridge where he resided until his passing.

After selling the farm they enjoyed their retirement by travelling all over the world and visited over 28 countries. Eddie was very active in his community. Over the years, Eddie helped build Coaldale’s first curling rink, served on the Coaldale Rural Electrification Association Limited, was a Life member of the Kinsmen Club serving terms as President and District Deputy Governor, Life Member of Ducks Unlimited and The Legion. He served as assistant leader of the Lethbridge-Coaldale 4-H Beef Club, dedicated many hours to the Gem of the West Museum and helped with the Communities in Bloom Program in Coaldale, especially the year Coaldale won the award. One of the highlights of Eddie’s life was chaperoning the Young Voyager Program escorting 20 local high school kids to Newfoundland and hosting 20 high school students from Quebec.

Those who were lucky enough to have known Eddie, knew he had a zest for life, a quick wit and was compassionate and caring toward others.

The family is most appreciative to all who supported dad in a kind and respectful manner, especially the staff at St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care.

In accordance with Eddie’s wishes, his immediate family will celebrate his life at a private gathering. They request that you please join them in celebrating his life from 1:00pm and 4:00pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at THE COAST HOTEL, 526 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB.

The family respectfully declines flowers, but encourage anyone wishing to memorialize Eddie to do so through a donation to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, #590, 1212 31 Ave NE

Calgary AB T2E 7S8 or to the Gem of the West Museum, 1306 20th St, Coaldale, AB T1M 1J7.