Obituary of William Samuel Owen, Jr.

Webster: Passed away peacefully at the Rochester Friendly Home following a short illness on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at 86 years of age. Predeceased by his sister, Joyce Wenke, former wife, Joyce W. Owen, and son, William S. Owen III. Survived by his children, Robert and Elizabeth, both of Webster NY, and Douglas (Cathlin) Darling-Owen of Dummerston VT; grandchildren, Whitney, Tyler, Colin and Kiley, and step-grandchild Jordan Gilchrist; niece, Katharine Manion and nephew, Steven Wenke, as well as extended family. William was born and raised in West Virginia, and attended Cornell University, graduating in 1949 with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He became employed immediately by Eastman Kodak Company, where he worked on many projects, such as slide projectors and blood analyzers, for 37 years. In 1954 he bought a vacant lot on Lake Road in Webster, building his own house where he lived until 2013. His interests included sailing and boating, skiing, square dancing, and computers. He was known for using tools of all kinds to make or repair anything from bicycles to boat engines. His last 16 months were spent at The Friendly Home, where he enjoyed reading, musical activities, and driving his motorized wheelchair. The family would like to thank the staff at The Friendly Home for the care provided to William. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 24th at 2:00 pm at the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Road, Webster.