Obituary of Charles Neville Owen

Neville Owen has moved on to the grandest journey of his life. He is hiking his way through heaven, running up and down the football field and putting fires out along the way.

In October 1962, he began his career as a City of Santa Clara Firefighter. After 30 years in the department he traded in his fire engine to fulfill his desire to travel the world. It would be much easier to list where he didn't travel than where he did. Some of his highlights include: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, cycling coast to coast across America, and sailing a total of 47 weeks throughout the years, on Windjammer Barefoot cruises in the Caribbean.

He graduated from Camden High, where he played high school football. This is where his passion and dedication to youth sports began. He continued his love for sports as a mentor to younger players by becoming a well-respected referee for high school football. His expertise was utilized during countless CCS sporting events.

Neville was an avid hiker and a member of a hiking group for 22 years. He also spent numerous hours volunteering at community functions, as well as attending countless sporting events throughout the county; however, his pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. He attended their graduations, dance recitals, softball, baseball, football and basketball games. He exposed them to the theater and shared stories of his worldly travels.

He leaves his two daughters and son-in-law; Dana, Stacey, and Dale. His grandchildren; Austin and his wife Amber, Evan and Reed. He also leaves his brother Doug, his niece Denise and her husband Brian, and many loving friends and extended family.

We will be having the celebration Saturday, January 13th. with lunch to follow, at his home at the following address:

4040 Winkle Ave.
Santa Cruz 95065

Time: 11:30

 

Any kind acts of charity can be made to Parkinson's research or a local youth sporting organization in his memory.