In Memory of Ken Owen

November 1, 1969 - November 30, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth Gifford Owen announces his passing. He was an amazing husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. Tragically, Ken suffered an ischemic stroke earlier in the week and he passed away unexpectedly on November 30, 2024 at the age of 55 in Chico, CA. Ken was born on November 1, 1969 to Marilyn and Norman Owen.

Ken was born in Berkeley and raised in Walnut Creek, CA attending Northgate High School where he graduated in 1988. He went on to attend Chico State University, earning both a bachelor's and master's degree in Exercise Physiology. Ken began his career working in physical therapy and in his mid-30s, he wanted to do more to help others and became a Physician Assistant attending UC Davis where he graduated in 2007.

Ken married Susan Girardot on July 15, 1995 - the love of his life since the 3rd grade but they did not begin dating until college. Together they built a wonderful life together in Chico and were incredible partners for each other. They enjoyed home projects and Ken was a tremendous craftsman. Sue always loved and owned horses and people used to ask Ken... do you love horses too and he would always reply "No, but I love them because she loves them". In 2019, they made a dream come true and built a beautiful home in Kalispell, Montana where Sue's family lived. They spent each Summer & Fall there together enjoying the outdoors - Ken loved to fly fish and together they would drift on the river with their 2 dogs and enjoy the beauty of Montana.

His second love and true mission in life was caring for others. Over his 17 year career as a PA-Certified, he worked in many areas of medicine, most recently in orthopedic surgery and trauma at Orthopedic Associates and Enloe Hospital. In Montana, he worked at Logan Hospital in their urgent care facility. He was incredibly kind-hearted and had a remarkable ability to connect with others and make them feel so special. His family and friends jokingly called him Dr. Ken as he knew so much about medicine and was always willing to give his time to help others.

His family, friends and co-workers are heart broken and sad to lose such a wonderful person. The world will feel so different without Ken. He loved life and gave so much to others. His infectious personality, clever wit and ability to calm others will be greatly missed. On December 4th, Enloe Hospital where he worked, held an Honor Walk and as his final gift to others he donated his organs and tissue to save even more lives. We pray for those who receive a part of Ken that they live long lives and feel his spirit in them.

Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sue married 29 years; his siblings J Owen and Cheryl Owen Nelson, his brother-in-laws Jamie Nelson and Dave Girardot, his father-in-law Steve Girardot and his many nieces and nephew. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Marilyn and Norm Owen and mother-in-law Connie Girardot.

A Celebration of Ken's life will be held at a later date this Spring in Chico, CA.