Wendell Owen

The link to watch the livestream of the service will be found HERE and will be live just prior to the service start time

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad, Wendell Griffith Owen, of Saskatoon, SK at the age of 89 years. 

 Wendell was born on April 5, 1936, in Yorkton, SK, to Hugh and Margaret Owen. He was the third of five children: Glynn; Marlene; Wendell; Bob; and Shani. It is said, "To be born Welsh is to be born privileged. Not with a silver spoon in your mouth, but with music in your blood and poetry in your soul." Dad's family exemplified this, and it will live on in the current and future generations. 

 Wendell was a dedicated and loving husband to his childhood sweetheart, Ruth (née Propp). Their love story started in Yorkton, SK, where they both attended high school. Following their graduation they moved to Saskatoon, where he found his career with SaskPower. They were married on June 7th, 1958, in Yorkton, and settled in Saskatoon. In 1959 they welcomed their first daughter, Lori. In 1961 Gwen came along, followed by Maureen in 1962, and David in 1965. Wendell and Ruthie created a home that was rich in laughter, music, and love for us and the many people in their lives. 

 Wendell started his career with SaskPower as a gas fitter in 1957. He held various positions during his 38 years there, and made many long-lasting friendships. He was so proud of all the people he worked with through the years, and spoke of them often. His final position was as General Manager, Saskatoon Area, for SaskEnergy. He retired in 1995, and he and Ruth were excited to begin retirement together. 

 After retirement, Wendell worked for the Saskatoon Funeral Home. He was not only their soloist but also a driver of the limousines, as well as a compassionate funeral attendant. 

 Wendell started attending Knox United Church in 1957, and continued to attend and sing in the choir for more than 65 years. He was the driving force behind the Knox Radio Music Hall productions, where they performed several sold-out shows. In 1968 he became involved with a local start-up theatre company called Saskatoon Summer Players. His rich tenor voice was the star of many productions over his 30-year association with them. He also loved the production side of the theatre, and helped out with several other shows behind the scenes. He met some of his best friends during these years, and those friendships endured throughout his life. 

 Wendell was also very involved with other groups in the city. He served on the Board of Directors for the Centennial Auditorium (TCUP), as well as the Saskatoon Children's Choir. In 2006, he was awarded the Golden Note Award from the Saskatchewan Choral Federation. He also provided his support and artistic talents to Gateway Players, Persephone Theatre, and the Saskatoon Men's Chorus. 

 Wendell was preceded in death by his parents Hugh and Margaret Owen; his wife of 56 years, Ruth; son, David; brothers, Glynn and Robert Owen; sister-in-law, Susan Owen; brother-in-law, Don Propp; and sister-in-law, Audrey Propp. 

 Wendell is survived by three daughters: Lori Gervais (Denny) of Calgary, AB; Gwen Dawson (David) of Calgary, AB; Maureen Sutherland of Saskatoon, SK; and daughter-in-law, Kristina Owen of Edmonton, AB. He is also survived by his sisters, Marlene Rusnell (Dave) of Trail, BC; Shani Apland (Greg) of Yorkton, SK; his sister-in-law Moira Owen of Calgary, AB; his friend and partner Patricia Deibert and her family of Saskatoon, SK; and his dear friends of 68 years Gary and Audrey Gullickson. Also left to treasure his memory are ten grandchildren: Derek (Jenna), Megan (Geoff), Mark (Sierra), Michael, Kirsten (Bobby), Cole (Melissa), Emily, Maggie, Ellie, and Thomas, as well as four great-grandchildren: Hayes, Cooper, Lincoln and Walker. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and other family members, and so many friends, who will miss him dearly. 

 The family would like to thank the Glengarda Hospice staff for their excellent care and comfort of Dad, with special thanks to Rose, Tanzly, and Jennie. 

 "Where there is great love, there is great grief." 

 A celebration of Wendell's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Knox United Church, 838 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, SK.

In lieu of flowers, Wendell's family would ask that you consider donating to The Hospice at Glengarda at https://www.stpaulshospital.org/foundation/hospice/about.php.