George French Bowie Owens Jr., retired Partner & Director of Johnson & Higgins, 82, died at home April 14, 2010.
He was born in Boston, son of Muriel Cuzner Owens and George F. B. Owens. He grew up in Rockville Centre, N.Y., and graduated from Westtown Friends School, Wilmington College and received his MBA from New York University.
During the Korean War he served as a supply officer aboard the USS Passumpsic AO 107.
In 1953, after leaving the Navy, he joined Johnson & Higgins in New York City as a member of their Marine department. He went on to run the Marine department of the Los Angeles office for six years before being elected Partner in 1978 and relocating to Pittsburgh to become Managing Director of the office until his retirement in 1990.
After spending many years visiting family in Vero Beach, he became a resident in 1994 leaving only to continue a lifelong tradition of spending summer months in his family’s home on West Hill in Wallingford, Vt.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years; Marjorie Weeks Owens, his adored children; Janet Owens Floor (Greg) of Salt Lake City, William French Owens of Wallingford, Vt., and Julie Owens Ream (Craig) of Pittsburgh and his grandchildren; William & Steven Floor and Christopher, Andrew, Benjamin & Lucy Ream.
He was a member of The Sons of The Revolution in the State of New York and the Navy League of the United States.
His passions included sailing his catboats and golfing with family and friends. He could regularly be found on the course at Rutland, Ekwanok, Riomar, and Bent Pine Country Clubs.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in his memory to: The Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County, P.O. Box 644, Vero Beach, FL 32961 or Wallingford Historical Society, c/o Joyce Barbieri, 75 School Street, Wallingford, VT 05773.
A guestbook may be signed at www. strunkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach.
