John Edgar Owens

JOHN EDGAR OWENS 9/27/32 TO 5/9/22 John Edgar Owens was born in Byers, CO September 27, 1932 to Burnie Edgar Owens and Flora Leona Morgan. Edgar (as he was known when young) and his siblings, JT, Vernon & Bonny had a rough and tumble upbringing in and around Anacortes, Skagit County where a multitude of cousins were always around for any adventure that came their way. He graduated from Anacortes High School and earned his teaching degree from Western Washington College in Bellingham. In 1952, shortly after marrying Julia Chandler, the couple moved to Los Angeles, California to begin teaching careers. However, John was drafted into the Army spending most of his time stationed in Kansas. At the completion of his service in 1957, he returned to the Pacific Northwest where his two daughters were born. The family moved to Seattle in 1962, and John worked at Craftsman’s Press, until he got the opportunity to return to teaching and began working for the Northshore School district. “Mr. Owens” was a beloved instructor, teaching Graphic Arts, Printing, Photography, Wood Shop, and Vocational Arts. His students have said that he made a huge impact on their lives while teaching at Inglemoor High School, so much so that many of them stayed in contact with him on social media. He also became lifelong friends with fellow teachers. When not in the classroom, John could be found at the helm of his 28’ sailboat, the Havella, spending summers in the US and Canadian San Juan Islands, sharing with family & friends the wonders of fishing off of a sailboat. Following his retirement in 1987, John and his second wife Ruth Ferguson moved back to Anacortes and spent many happy years traveling, sailing, golfing, bowling, and spending time with friends & family. John is dearly loved, and greatly missed, by his daughters, Cassie Owens and Letha Owens (Jeff Brown), Stepsons, Greg Ferguson (Deb) and Tim Ferguson (Delora), numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces & nephews. Remembrances can be made to Evergreen Islands , PO Box 223, Anacortes WA 98221.