Richard “Rich” Michael Owen, a lifelong resident of Montesano, Washington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughters on Sept. 10, 2021, after a 9-month battle with cancer.
Richard was born on July 15, 1953, to Albert “Bud” and Mabel Owen at St Joseph’s in Aberdeen, Washington. He graduated from Montesano High School in 1971. Shortly following graduation, he boarded a fishing boat to Alaska. That was just the start to his many life adventures.
Throughout the years he worked many different jobs in the logging and construction industries. Rich was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting and clam digging with his daughters, son-in-law and best friends. He also loved taking his daughters camping when they were young, any chance he could get.
His greatest joy in life was being a papa to his only granddaughter Dakota and teaching her how to bake all kinds of fun sugary concoctions. One of his favorite pastimes was BBQ-ing with his friend Dick. He enjoyed cooking for people and seeing the joy it brought to their faces. Rich was a devoted member of the Monte Moose Lodge for 40+ years. He dedicated his free time to the many events hosted by the Moose Lodge in the community. Some of his favorite Moose events were the Kids Fishing derby and the Family Picnic, where he loved to play in the annual horseshoe tournament. For many years he helped cook breakfast for the derby, Friday Burger nights, Saturday Steak Nights and other fundraising dinners with his Moose lodge family members.
Richard is survived by his daughters and son-in-laws; Sasha and Jimmy, Alisa and Ed, and Rebecca and Justin, and his beloved granddaughter Dakota. He is also survived by his sisters Dianne VanFoeken and Linda Olson, brother Tom Owen, uncle George Vukich, cousin Joe Vukich; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Christine Rudy, brother Dale Owen and cousin Ed Vukich.
There will be a celebration of Richard’s life at 2 p.m. on Nov. 27, 2021, at the Montesano Moose Lodge, located at 3 Monte Elma Road. Please bring your best “Richard” story to share during the celebration. Any memories you would like to share please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com
