Elwyn "Dick" Richard Owens

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dick Owens of Redcliff at the age of 89. Beloved husband of Carol and cherished father of Glenn, Keeky, Colleen, Steven and Lindsey. Dick was also a proud grandfather and great-grandfather to many in both Canada and England. 

Dick was born in Middlesbrough England as the second youngest of eight children.  His father passed away in the Second world war and Dick told many stories of his mother raising all eight children in trying times. The children had to take on many tasks to run the large household such as errands to the local shops, tending the garden all the while protecting each other in the scary times of war.   Many of his fondest memories were of him and his youngest brothers getting into all kinds of trouble in the neighbourhood with their beloved dog Spike tagging along. 

Dick spent the first forty years of his life in Middlesbrough as a renowned painter decorator, earning accolades as top apprentice several years in a row.  Dick told many stories of the fun and proud moments raising Glenn and Keeky in England. 

In 1976 Dick came to Canada on a working holiday and at this time met Carol, the love of his life in Calgary.   They quickly fell in love and were married in England in November 1976.  They then settled in Medicine Hat and were joined by Glenn who emigrated to Canada in 1981. 

As Dick and Carol’s family grew with the birth of Colleen, Steven and Lindsey they moved and settled into their long term home in Redcliff where Carol still remains.  

Dick had a long and fulfilling career as a sign painter at CFB Suffield and was deeply involved in the local arts community. He lent his creative talents to musical theatre set design, and his work with the Strathcona Art Studio was especially meaningful to him. Dick was also an active member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB). He spent many hours in his greenhouse and garden and in later years he gave up much of his beloved garden space and built himself a back yard art studio where he spent many hours doing water color and oil painting.

Dick was a storyteller, a craftsman, and a loyal friend. He would often be heard singing or whistling an old tune from his younger years.  Carol and Dick enjoyed many great holidays over the years where Dick would often be found with his easel and pencils sketching the local scenery. He also took many wonderful trips to England to see Keeky and her growing family.   Dick loved children- whether it was his own children, grandchildren, or friends, he got to experience all the best of his own childhood again with silliness, songs and lots of artwork

Dick was predeceased by his son Glenn in 2011 and over the years by his siblings, Baden, Robbie, Bessie, Lorraine, Gwen, Clive and Freddy.  

Our family would like to give Special thanks to Steve Cox and Ray Townsend whose unwavering friendship over many years has brought Dick so much joy and comfort.

Those who wish to remember Dick with a donation may do so to  AJ's Loan Cupboard (PO BOX 45006 Mackenzie Drugs Postal Outlet, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0B1) and in lieu of flowers, please plant one in your garden in his memory. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elwyn "Dick" Richard Owens, please visit our floral store.