I was blessed to be married to a remarkable man and between us I believe we raised 4 remarkable children Joe, Tom, Tilly and Jake. Wherever he went he made friends and made people laugh and that was why I married him. He made me laugh every day of our 25 year marriage.
My children and I have lost a fantastic husband and father but Judy has lost her child and my heart truly goes out to her. Sian and Sara are of course devastated to lose their big brother, irreplaceable and loved by them their whole lives. And all our dear nieces and nephews and brother and sister in law Ollie and Merewyn will miss him too. My mother has always said she could not have asked for a better son in law. My brother knew him from his early teens and loved him
Now please dear friends please leave your memories of beloved Owen.
"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy. They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom"
- Marcel Proust.
Kate
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To share a memory of Owen, please click on the pencil image below.
To see other people's memories, please click on the comments link below.
To see the 2 Eulogies read at Owens Crematorium ceremony, scroll to the bottom of the page
To see the 2 Eulogies read at Owens Crematorium ceremony, scroll to the bottom of the page
If you have any photos of Owen you'd like to share on this blog, please email them to owenmartinmemorialbook@gmail.com and our t'internet man will make them magically appear on the blog
And if you know anyone else that would like to share their memories of Owen, please pass on to them details of the blog.
Well how do I pick out just one or two memories of a man who created so many!
ReplyDeleteWell here's two - both involve the fence between our garden and his.
The first one concerns cat poo and O's inability to stop laughing without him being reduced to a giggling mess. One lovely quiet peaceful Sunday morning a few year ago, I was gardening our back garden when I 'discovered' some of our cats 'doings' under a bush, not with my trowel but with my ungloved had - right into the middle of it. I immediately produced a stream of highly offensive language aimed at the cat and the general world - this continued until my good lady wife told me off and reminded where i was and it was Sunday morning. I stopped, cursing under my breath, but then noticed the Jasmin bush that grows on the fence between the Martins and our house shaking about - i listening very intently and could here someone trying to suppress laughter but not really managing it, with physical impacts causing the bush he was standing next to , to move about. I said Owen? in an enquiring manner and it was like a dam of laughter had been breached - he guffawed and giggled and laughed for ages before he could compose himself to say it was the funniest thing he had heard in years and that he would be inviting our cat (Kenny) around to his house for a fish supper!
The last time I saw O, we were in the garden and surprise surprise the cat poo incident was raised by the master of mirth.
Missing you already mate - I'll share my second sorry in a while - the story of the magic martin mint bush!
I am indeed in a similar situation as Mark, where do I start, there are simply too many memories!
ReplyDeleteOwen to me was like another Dad and I was treated like another daughter to him! Jake and I spent most of our childhood together and Owen was often involved in driving us to places including the informous trip to Dungeness to go fishing and to judge the carvan garden competition at Granny Judy's carvan site nd making him cycle round Bewl Water with us in the rain. Needless to say every occasion was filled with laughter!
One particular time which remains one of my most memorable will be my trip to Salcombe with the Martins and in particular the fishing trip at 7:00am in which I also made Tilly come on!
It's was a freezing cold day and rather windy! At some point on the way out of Salcombe harbour Owen let Jake and I take the helm of the White Shark. I was driving with Jake to my side, Owen was up the front securing the fishing equipment or something along those lines when he said "A little bit faster Luce..." Well me being me pushed the throttle control to the max with the result of Owen nearly falling overboard! But what made it even funnier and memorable although Owen nearly falling in the sea is still rather funny was that to this day he would still say if I saw him "You know Luce... That boat still hasn't been driven as fast as when you did!" - Thanks Owen!!
Xxx
I was lucky enough to have one of the most caring, funny and enthusiastic fathers anyone could have. And of course, as we all know, he was most enthusiastic about his fishing and shooting.
ReplyDeleteOne of Dad's proudest moments of me was when I caught my first salmon. Dad wanted to film me playing the salmon but was so nervous Colin, a friend we were fishing with, had to take over the filming due to dad worrying he would "fill his waders". The highlight of the video for me is not landing the fish, but the happiness that Dad couldn't contain when of the last of his kids to catch a salmon with him. This happiness only grew when later that week Granny Judy caught her first salmon too, adding his mum to the collection! I know that would have loved for the wife he adored, my mum, to have caught her first salmon in his lifetime but that doesn't mean I will give up on his dream, I will get mum to catch a salmon and we will raise a drink to dad when she does!
I know that through his life Dad had so many great memories with all his friends and family and I wish we could keep on making them with him. I know that I will miss my dad everyday for the rest of my life but that doesn't mean that we can't relive his laughter and that cheeky smile with every memory we retell.
I love you daddy always and forever,
Your princess xxxx
I met Owen for the first time shortly before his infamous trip to Oz in the late 80’s. I remember him coming back a year or so later, about 3 stone lighter with the funniest stories I’ve ever heard, driving across Oz with no windscreen covered in flies, driving into a lake and chasing a sheep with Charlie his new mate as they were hungry!
ReplyDeleteI have so many funny memories from Horse racing days at Cheltenham and Lingfield, Dublin lads weekends, Vegas trips etc etc, but the ones that make me laugh the most were simple ones like playing rubbish snooker, appalling jokes, trying to play golf and drink hurlimans on the farm and our 3 decade argument about who was the tallest, slimmest and best looking. Owen really brought out the best in people, there was never a dull moment in his company.
Lord Stumpy (as he will always be to me) may have been a banker by trade, but he was always a farmer at heart. I loved watching him take my son Will to see the pigs at a BBQ one day, I’m not sure who looked the happiest of the two of them. Owen was a true family man, with the lovely Kate and four children he adored, you couldn’t wish to visit a happier, more welcoming home (and you’d never go hungry or thirsty!). I will always remember Owen as the happiest, funniest, kindest, daftest sod I’ve ever met. We’ll all miss him dearly.
Gavin xxx
I am so truly grateful that I was able to meet Owen, never has someone made my face hurt like he did, I always looked forward to Friday nights at The Castle with the Martins, it was always a night to remember mainly because you was always the last ones to leave.
ReplyDeleteThe simple things did it for me, talking about doing a shit pub night, keeping a gum shield behind the bar in preparation for Kate having a large Merlot, plotting ideas of how to prank my Dad. The coach load of rugby players turning up at 10:55pm just before closing was always one of our favourites.
I'm so gutted you've left us but I know your humour lives on through Kate, Joe, Tom, Tilly and Jake. That's what keeps me smiling through this hard time.
I hope I get to spend many more nights at the Castle with them creating new memories and reminiscing on past ones.
Thanks for making my jaw stronger.
Owen, what can we say?
ReplyDeleteFrom the day us O'Connell Smiths moved to the Castle, you and your family welcomed us with open arms. Over the last four years we all became good friends and shared many good times together. You truly were one of the funniest, charasmatic, kind and generous people we had the pleasure of knowing.
The banter you had with my dad was bloody fantastic and it was funny to see who could outdo each other with the most offensive birthday cards,presents and Christmas gifts you could find.
Your constant pranks kept us all entertained, and I know people will be telling stories about you for many many years to come as that's just how you affected people.
There are so many things you did but here are some random things that spring to mind for me...
Turning up to Mum's birthday meal with a badge pinned to your jumper saying 'I love Mel' and acting like it was completely normal to be wearing a 'I love mel' badge on a night out at dinner.
Nicking the Ice Skating Staff's jacket at the ice rink and skating round pretending to work there and looking important haha
Coming into the pub for an 'innocent' drink and then going into the toilet and turning all the pictures on the wall upside down...dad gave up putting them right in the end as it happened so often!
Ringing up the pub, putting on a fake voice and pretending to book a table with a name with a rude innuendo.
Sometimes you would break down in fits of laughter before the phonecall ended and other times mananging to see it through. We all got caught out on a couple occasions and wrote it down in the diary!
The first Christmas we had at the pub, dad decorated the Christmas tree outside with some fairy lights... you then sneaked over in the dead of night and rearranged the lights into a giant penis- much to the amusement of people driving past!
You would go out of your way to help anyone. You helped Tom & I move house twice and you drove many many guests to our wedding from the pub to the church and then back again.
We can honestly say we will NEVER meet anyone like you again Owen. Your memory will live on in Kate, Joe, Tom, Tilly & Jake.
There was never a dull moment with you around. Thanks for the laughs and the memories, You will always be in our hearts.
All our love, Lucy & Tommy x x x x
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ReplyDeleteOwen asked me for a turkey. A live one, to be a gift for kev oconnell last Christmas. He wanted to put it in the garden of the castle in the dead of night so that when kev and Mel woke up on Christmas Day they had a new pet, that they could never eat. Not many people know that, I knew he was serious but I just couldn't go through with it. Thanks for being such a friendly face Owen, buying me a pint, and generally being a great guy. u will be greatly missed but your legend will live forever. Chris.
ReplyDeletePost boozy Sunday lunch at your house in Staplehurst. Owen's hysterical laughter at Paul's attempt at making flies - they were the size of Muppets which of course Owen loved.
ReplyDeleteSuch happy memories of your amazing wedding - what a lovely time we all had.
Can't imagine how the loss feels for you all.
Rest in peace lovely Owen.
Peg Heron xxxxxx
I feel I have known Owen forever, I was 16 and at school when we first met and the thing that I remember is everyone seemed to know him, even though he wasn't at our school. He was hilariously funny, popular and also an absolute sweetheart. Over the years we didn't see that much of each other, but it didn't matter because when we did it was always so easy to catch up. He was always such fun to be with, so generous and kind.
ReplyDeleteWe spent a lovely weekend with Kate and Owen only three weeks ago in Devon and even though he must have been feeling pretty unwell, he didn't show it and never complained but made us so welcome and made us laugh. I'm so great ful that we had that time with him.
My husband Martin didn't know Owen well, but he instantly liked him and we are both heartbroken by his loss.
Not only was Owen a great husband , dad and family man, but he had so many friends and everyone loved him - who wouldn't? Not only was he a professional in his career but I will also see him first and foremost as a true country man who had so many interests and loved to be outdoors with the boys and of course the dogs. He had a love of life and enjoyed it to the full, at the same time bringing pleasure and laughs to anyone that was lucky enough to be with him. He never changed either, he was always the same boy I knew at 16.
I am so sad for his lovely family. There are so many people who loved Owen and he will never be forgotten.
Owen, those who knew you loved you.xxxxxxx
Suze Bennett
I knew Owen only for a short time through my wife Suze but I'm left so sad, shocked and empty by his death. Only a few weeks ago, he was pointing out to sea to show me the best places to catch fish, taking his pack of dogs for a walk along the cliffs and enjoying a lovely meal with us at the beach hut fish restaurant in Beesands. He was so full of life and infectious energy I just can't believe someone so warm and generous is no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I didn't know him well, I got a very strong impression of someone who lived life to the full, who knew how to enjoy and value everything he found around him.
I will think of him as I look out at the blue of the sea and remember when he took us on magical ride on his boat through the waves; I'll think of when my dog runs just for the joy of it and how Owen had that same spirit of fun and adventure being immersed in the countryside.
Owen - I can't used you to the idea that I'll never see you again, I just hope you had some idea of what a pleasure it was to be in your company.
Farewell, Martin
Lord “Scrumpy” of Somerset
ReplyDeleteOwen was the very first person we met when we first moved to Kent in February 2009. He welcomed us into the Castle Inn, introducing himself as Lord Stumpy the Magnificent. We weren’t quite sure what to make of him, but he did make us laugh. He continued to do so for the next seven and a half years, not least when he invited himself (yes, honestly) to our weekend back in Somerset for the annual Draycott Strawberry Fair. The event is a big dinner/ dance/alcohol fest just outside Cheddar, with the strawberry harvest vaguely celebrated.
Not only did the locals instantly fall in love with Owen’s charm, wit and infectious laugh as he partied ‘til the early hours with the entire village, but he only got himself pictured in the Cheddar Valley Gazette the following week with the title of “Lord Scrumpy”! They still talk about him in Somerset to this day, and one of our friends from the area sent us this message on hearing of his passing:
“A rare and generous soul who touched everyone he met. This small part of Somerset will always remember Lord Scrumpy.”
From stealing my favourite shirt, and then turning up wearing it at our dinner party, to putting very realistic plastic lilies in your car when you gave us a lift, knowing I’m allergic to the real thing, your wicked sense of humour has caused us both fear and hilarity in equal measure.
Owen, you were one in a million; quite simply the best. We’ve enjoyed your friendship so much, and we will never stop missing you dear friend. The pub, the allotment, and life in general will be less fun without you. We just hope you’re keeping the weeds under control in the garden of paradise.
With much love, and many thanks for countless great times.
Jill & Rog (or “Dick Dodge” as you insisted on calling me!)
xxxxx
Whenever I caught up with O I knew there would be tears! He knew it too - simply seeing O in the distance brought a smile to my face - but, once he was near enough to comment the laughter started! The story of O & Tom in Aus when their windscreen broke - thinking of saving cash for the all important beer, instead of buying a new windscreen they bought two sets of goggles and learnt very quickly NOT to drive at night! O - so sorry you are gone - I bet you gave Ali a run for his money as you were only a couple behind him in the queue - love you mate - Lee
ReplyDeleteOh my Lord Stumpy how much quieter and safer my weeks on the Spey are going to be! I have been very lucky and privileged to have been with you when many, if not all your salmon were caught. And also, with Steve's help, when Joe, Tom, Tilly, Jake and Granny Jude caught their first Fish. To pick out one memory from all these is not so easy. However one evening, will stick with me and I send the photo to go with it. I was sitting on the seat by the Carron pool with Mike having fished it from top to bottom. It was then about 10.30pm. You were fishing Del Chapel. When we realised it was gone 11.00pm and there was still no sign of Stumpy I said he's either drowned or into a fish, I had better go and see. Imagine the scene I found. Pitch dark, You standing mid river, rod bent and shaking with fear or excitement. Not sure which.Both probably as it was the first fish you had hooked on your own. Anyway, I took the net from the boat and we soon had it landed. What a picture it made. You covered in blood, Jake having blooded you after catching your first salmon, at Carron anyway, holding a perfect 16lb springer. Relief and happiness showing in equal measure on your face. Mine too probably!
ReplyDeleteTilly, if I can ever help to complete the family set you only have to ask. In any case I very much hope you will all join me at sometime on the riverbank and especially at Carron to keep alive your Family connection with the beat.
Thank you for all the wonderful memories we shared O and for all the stories I have to pass on to future generations. As Rob would say, "You're a legend."
Dearest Owen, you filled our house with laughter and fun at Ballnellan. We loved every minute of your company at the Carron hut with the boys. What wonderful memories we have of you all round the table at lunch and dinner with lots of laughs. Never a dull moment with you there. You are irreplaceable Owen. You will always be with us at the Spey. I will always hear your wonderful voice in Scotland and remember our very special times at Ballnellan and the Carron hut. You would say to me "Hello my lovely.
ReplyDelete" Me and Simon say "Thank you" for all you gave us. Your generosity, your cheeky laughter will not ever be forgotten. You will always be missed.
With our love. Patsy and Simon
I worked with Owen for 2 years back in the 90’s. He was my boss back then. We had so much fun at work that I couldn’t quite believe I was being paid. When he left SBC in 1998, I was gutted, but little was I to know that we would continue contact and be friends for 20 years.
ReplyDeleteMy story of Owen was from my first visit down to Castle Hill to meet Kate and the children. We were in a pub garden (not the Castle) enjoying a pint in the sun, when Joe, who I think was about 10 years old, came running up to the table with an old birds nest that he had found in a bush. Owen then turned to Joe and said…
“You know, you can tell what kind of bird built that nest by sniffing the bottom of it. If it smells musty, it was probably a blackbird”
I was initially amazed and then thought, hang on, and was about to challenge him, when I saw that mischievous twinkle in his eye as he looked at me.
Anyhow, Joe, intrigued, raised the birds nest to his nose to take a sniff and Owen smashed it into his face. Twigs and dust were covering Joe as Owen burst into a typical fit of laughter and went running off round the pub garden, whooping with delight and Joe chasing after him trying to kick him up the bum.
I have many more funny memories and can only thank Stumps for always making me laugh and enjoy life. I feel extremely lucky to have called him my friend.
Goodbye…Radar xx
Owen, my friend. I am struggling to know where to begin. There's so much you've given me and there's only a very small handful of people I've met that have had such an amazing impact on my life. You know immediately when you meet someone special who had the most infectious and genuine giggle that only he had.
ReplyDeleteI first met Owen in 1987 when we were both working for Morgan Stanley and our friendship grew from that day.
I have so many stories, from the day he turned up to a 5k cross country race dressed as a rooster while everyone else was in race gear to turning up to our 80's themed pool party, his face fully blacked up as Tubbs from Miami Vice and leaving his pants on the head of the hog roast before he left !!
Owen had a rare gift to light up a room when he came in, I've never met anyone like him and I know i'll never meet anyone like him again.
I'm so fortunate to have met someone like Owen and I'm honoured to have had him as a friend.
God Bless You Lord Stumpy xx
It is said Angels sometimes come to earth in the guise of humans, do their work and then once their work is finished they leave.
ReplyDeleteOwen you made us smile when it was hard sometimes
Rest in everlasting peace and thanks for the laughter.
Anne Walcott
Mark Paton : I knew Owen from Morgan Stanley days back in the 80's but once met never forgotten! People talk about "characters" all the time but Owen really was one. I wouldn't call myself a close friend of his but it's a mark of the man that I am so sad that he is no longer here with us. He invited me and the kids down to the farm during lambing one year and my 20 + year old kids still remember him and that day. We were made very welcome. I still use his classic line "a bit more choke and that would've started" when anyone farts in the pub toilet! I hope these comments and memories are some sort of comfort to you Kate and the family at such a crap time. God bless. Mark x
ReplyDeleteSame as Mark, I knew Owen from Morgan Stanley days of old. Time has not been good to my memory, but Owen is stand out for me as being one of the top characters I have had the pleasure of working with and around. His giggling was infectious, and he helped to brighten up every day in the office.
ReplyDeleteMy sincere commiserations to Owen's nearest and dearest, and I hope you take much comfort from knowing how much joy he has given to so many.
I first met 'O' many years ago when he was a young yellow jacket at morgan stanley on the LIFFE market. He spent many an hour propped up against our office counter telling us stories. Of course all of us girls loved him. I left and went to work for what eventually became UBS and one day years later 'O' was hired as our boss. We had a fantastic team, so many laughs, so many fun nights out, so many mad xmas parties and way to many tales to tell here. I remember his big smile when he brought me in a big fish he'd caught, i remember him turning up with vomit over his shirt where Tilly had thrown up her breakfast, I remember him turning up with 2 inches of mud on his work shoes where he'd taken the dogs out the night before but ine of my funniest memories was when i got married and 'O' decided to organise a group to do the full monty. He stripped off down to his blue glittery elephant g-string it was so funny and i will never forget it. As much as 'O' loved to socialise his true love was Kate and the kids, he loved nothing more than spending with his family. 'O' It was a pleasure knowing you, i hope u go on telling your stories with that big grin to everybody upstairs RIP mate bye for now Neet xx
ReplyDeleteI don’t quite know where to start! When we moved to Castle Hill in 2008 we thought oh my there is a crazy family living next door with dogs, cats, chickens, guinea pigs and god knows what in the freezer, but we were soon proved wrong as you made us feel so welcome and part of the community so quickly. Your friendship extended to both my family and Mark’s, especially my dad who I know will miss you loads. I will never forget how you made me laugh when we compared the side effects of chemo as we walked round and round the cricket pitch and how you forgave me for Lola eating your chickens (I’m so sorry). We are going to miss you and your infectious laugh so much. Will raise a toast with Kate to you in the caravan you loved so much in the garden! Rachel x
ReplyDeleteOwen was a massive part of my childhood, I was lucky enough to be friends with Jake from a young age and so had the great pleasure of spending a considerable amount of time around him. Owen always had a good line- although sometimes I didn't understand as it was fishing related- and was at his best in the garden or at his allotment or whenever England played Wales! Owen knew me as "Naughty Izzard" as Jake and I were uncontrollable in our much younger years, always running around and being general pests, but Owen being Owen he would have a chuckle and let us have our fun, occasionally he would join in but whatever he did Jake and I always had a great time. Owen will be missed massively by so many people who had the pleasure of knowing him.
ReplyDeleteWill.
Owen, Lord Stumpy, was our dear friend, a force of nature. He was a man who always made the party, the room or the group of people he was with shine brighter. From the stories he told he did the same at work too. We would always look forward to seeing him as we could always be sure that whatever the occasion it would be livelier, funnier and all the better for his being there. He has left us all, and especially Kate and the kids, far, far too soon, but he has left his mark with so many rich memories we won’t ever forget. They’re celebrated here, and we’re looking forward to celebrating some more in the style he’d expect with his friends and family next Thursday. Jo and Steve Moffatt.
ReplyDeleteReally terrible, unbelievable news. I first met Owen thru nights out with Scoop & the City boys in the late `80s,and fond as I am of Stu`s banker mates, Owen was the best of them by a country mile. Memories? Laughter, always. From his utter joy at seeing us two townie brothers staring agog at a whole lamb being roasted on a spit in his front room (what a party THAT was!), drunken pillow fights in Dublin, to the sight of him pogoing with my mum to Teenage Dirtbag at Stu & Jo`s wedding; when u think of Owen, the first thing you do is smile, and that`s a very rare legacy .Debs and I are thinking of his wonderful family (of whom he was so proud, & unashamedly loved to bits), and hope they can take comfort from the fact that their husband/son/dad genuinely touched so many of us. Farewell Lord Stumpy, a unique, class act. Grant & Debs Cooper xx
ReplyDeleteHe called me Disco Dodd, and announced himself to me as Lord Stump Master Flashman.
ReplyDeleteFunniest Man I have ever met! I knew him through my own son’s friendship with Tom. The wonderful stories he would tell, of the biggest fish he’d caught and the wonderful times he and his family would have in Scotland. He once decided that we should have our own chat show like the one in Wayne’s World, with Owen and his mates showing the World what a special and hilarious life he leads. It would have been a block buster.
One hilarious memory of Owen was when, at our Sons joint 21sts party, I had slept the night in a fitful drunken slumber in my car, got up at 7am to recover my Pewter Tankard from where I had dropped it, next to the beer barrels in his Mums field. He was up with the larks and spotted me, and seeing me with a tankard in my hand at 7am, seriously thought I was till drinking! “Deep respect he cheerily shouted to me, I’ll join you in a few minutes”!
Until we meet again dear Owen.
Sammy Taylor's Memories of Owe
ReplyDeleteDarling Owe,
La Joie de Vivre!
One of my dearest friends who married my best friend . You have both always been there for me in all my many varied chapters in life! Showing me support, love and friendship.
Katz is like my sister and I am so happy she met you , you adored each other.
Although I have spent many years over seas , we always kept in touch. Especially on announcements of our growing families! Each having 3 boys! and one Princess!!
I am trying hard to remember where we first met..... A Pub for sure!!! In our teenage yrs ! Think it was the Three Chimneys .....
Anyway images of laughter ,drinking and Ferrets come to mind!
You were a one man show Spike Milligan,Kenny Everett,Goon Show to name a few but in one word you were Owe! Given the greatest gift to make people smile....and Laugh out loud ! Thankyou X
You also had the biggest kindest heart and always made time for friends in need .......I was one of those friends a Damsel in distress!
A little disorderly. Yet you looked after me and I think I out stayed my welcome for a while. Your Mum was so wonderful and you both put me on the straight and narrow again .x
You picked me up when many would of left me in a heap on the floor or take advantage, you did not and your family took me in. Thankyou for believing in me X
You truly are a special person this is just my memories yet I know you touch many people with kindness , big heart and laughter . Enlightening there day in some way .
So happy I was blessed to of met you in my life. I promise I will be here for Kate and the Children . Xox
You will always hold a special place in my heart . My dear friend ..Thankyou.... Xox
The Martins have been like a second family to me, taking me on holidays and days out, driving me to and from dance classes and hosting constant sleepovers! I have so many memories of Owen, like when he hauled me around gillingham ice rink and sitting on the beach doing the crossword puzzle. However, one memory of Owen does stick out in my mind, and even now it still makes me cringe.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was about 6 or 7, I went with the Martins on a trip to Bewl Water. We were discussing nicknames and Owen asked me if I had any, and I proudly responded, "Yes! My dad calls me Ploppy, and sometimes little Miss Builders bum!". Owen and Kate both found this hilarious, and although I had hoped they would one day forget about it, Owen has always liked to remind me of it every year or so!
Owen was always kind, generous and a great laugh. He will be dearly missed. Sending all my love to the Martin family, Fran xxxx
We were spending a few chaotic days in Salcombe with the Martin family, loads of kids, dogs, beer, good food and laughter. One evening Owen decided to take me for a trip in his beloved boat Lulu. We set out, Owen driving and me baling, and finally stopped far from the shore (me still baling). We bobbed about and Owen told me all about the birds, fish, tides, weather, in fact everything that we could see. He was so excited about everything, so interested in and knowledgeable about the natural world. The next day Owen promised to take Chris on a similar trip. We got down to the harbour to find that Lulu had sunk almost without trace. Owen just laughed and we all went to the pub. Such a kind enthusiastic man, we will miss him xx
ReplyDeleteBrenda
COCKY LONG STOCKINGS...when you wished you had a video!!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many memories of Owen it is difficult to pick one, but my favourite and abiding memory of him is in the Castle (no surprises there then!) and an evening when he (and little Kev) decided they would eat a bit of a chilli from a plant that my son James had been growing. Well Kevin decided to eat a little bit, but Owen, being Owen, decided he would eat a whole chilli. James fetched him a decent looking specimen, green and about three inches long. Owen with a grand gesture, bit off the first inch, and to be fair to myself I at that point did warn him that that was probably enough. Not for Owen, he then showed the remaining bit of chilli to the assembled audience, bit off another inch, and then the last bit including all the seeds... Well, for the first few seconds all was fine, but then the little chilli got its own back and to quote Owen when he had sufficiently recovered about 40 minutes later, corrrrrr that was flippin spiteful (don't think he used flippin though!). The bit I wished I had the video for was about 3 or 4 minutes after ingesting said spiteful capsicum, he was swaying and supporting himself against the bar cursing quietly about the effect it was having on his ears and demanding butter, milk, yoghurt and ice cream - all of which he consumed I think over the next 30 minutes in an effort to calm his mouth down.
I didn't capture it on film but it is as clear in my head now as on the day it happened. To be honest it would have been useless if I had had a video recorder because I was laughing so much I could barely stand up. The more Owen swore, the more I laughed, until it physically hurt. And that in a nutshell was Owen. Such a sense of fun, such a joy for life and such a generosity of spirit. I have never met anyone like him before and doubt I ever will again sadly. I and the rest of the family will remember him always and very fondly. He had the rare ability to touch everyone he met in a positive way and will be desperately missed by all who had the good fortune to know him, even for such a tragically short time.
All our fondest love. X
I thought of Owen as a very much valued and loved friend. From his first introduction and welcome over the garden fence, when first arriving to visit Rachel, to the very many happy evenings spent at the castle laughing at his tall tales and giving me expert advice on all things shooting fishing,chickens,gardening and 'poaching'
ReplyDeleteMy most treasured memory was of Owen arriving, totally unexpected, at my local pub in Kirkheaton. Such a welcome surprise. We can see him now making himself at home and joining us for a
traditional Sunday lunch, everyone very much enjoying his company.
We will miss him but he will always live on in our memories.
Our thoughts are with Kate and all the family
Howard and Gill
Reading the comments above it is no surprise to see how Owen had such a positive impact on so many people.
ReplyDeleteFunny, inventive, perceptive, caring, but a naughty little bugger.
I have spent the last four and a half years in constant fear of what he might do next to embarrass me in public, or what surprise is waiting to be discovered somwhere in the pub. His mock up of the food alergy sign was on display in the pub for months before I noticed it. He had carefully replaced the real one with an identicle looking sign inviting customers to enquire about the landlords nuts!
I had been recieving some strange looks from female customers. It turned out the there was a large picture of me peering from behind a door that had been placed on the inside of one of the doors of the ladies toilet. So as they sat down they had the very disconserting sight of me peering round at them. I think some have still not recovered from the trauma!!
That photo was taken by Owen when we were at Beesands with him and Kate. He was actually sitting on a portaloo overlooking the sea at start point lighthouse. That toilet probably had one of the best views on that cliff top. We had a fantastic few days with them at Beesands and I think Owen was especially impressed with my humane fishing techniques, ( I tried not to catch any )
The list of pranks is endless really and that was what made him so endearing, that perpetual sense of fun. I will especially miss the secret santa exchanges. (Yes Kate, I still have the scarf)
For everyone he has touched there is undoubtly a real sense of loss and trying to make sense of that can be difficult. At 51 Owen had managed to pack in more than most could in two lifetimes. He leaves a wonderful family, a credit to him and Kate that their children are so clearly together and close.
The last message I received from Owen just before he went into hospital pretty much summed him up. Despite his situation he was so upbeat and positive, signing off as Mr Invicible.
I feel so humbled yet privelaged to have been accepted by him as a friend. I have met some amazing people in my time but I think Owen (despite even being shorter than me) has stood that little bit taller.
The Yarning Landlord. X
We moved into the castle Inn over four years ago although we had met Owen and Kate before that.
ReplyDeleteWe knew from the start we were going to have fun times with his company and of course Kate, Jo, Tom, Tilly and Jake.
We have so many memories and stories we could tell but it would take to long.
One story that springs to mind was when we were away on holiday in France. We received a video from Owen with a hose pipe attached to the Fosters tap. It was going out the pub and across the road to of course his house. There he was with a big smile on that mischievous face of his.
We have had so many laughs with them all and the place would light up when he arrived. You never knew what the evening would entail and what he was going to get up too next.
We've spent many nights out with both families and of course with just the four of us. We enjoyed a lovely time in Beesands last year with them and had the pleasure of taking Nanny Judy with us there and back.
They have become very good friends.
Owen we will miss you so much, the Castle Inn will not be the same without you and your devilish ways.
It was a pleasure to have known you even though it was for a very short time.
You will always be in our thoughts.
With love from Mel xxx
Dearest Owen, it's with a heavy heart that i write this.
ReplyDeleteI first met you back in the mad early days of Morgan Stanley - those days when we would nip out for a pint and a game of darts in the pub at lunchtime.
Your smile and effervescent humour was just part of your fabulous nature. Who would have known that underpants make a hog roast taste better than barbecue sauce - just one of your many strokes of genius!
I remember lots of rounds of golf with you and the great way you showed us all how to take things less seriously....that day on the 12th green at Hatfield GC i thought my rib cage would burst or at the very least i would wet myself laughing....and then Nick threw a moody and crashed his spots car on your tow bar after!
You were always the one that preached rugby as the beautiful sport to us footy no-hopers...and how right you were!
Even in this saddest of moments there is no-one that knew you who won't think of you in a quiet moment and have a cheeky smile to themselves ... warm hearted, ever funny , wonderfully open and honest people are a rarity......and you dear friend are a priceless gem.
You will be sorely missed by so many and the world has lost a massive smile.......you truly lit up any room you walked in to.
My fave habit of yours was when you did the Ronny Barker bit with your glasses.....see....i'm laughing again just thinking of it.
Our thoughts are with Kate and the family.
All our Love,
Shaun, Sharon, Ethan and Warrick xx
Owen, I confess I did not know as well as many on this page. But through a close friend I have known him for some 20 years. For most years, it would be a chance meeting in a pub, probably the most memorable being a Valentine’s evening at the Woodcock where he re-enacted a scene of wooing Kate with his undoubted singing prowess; but I, and others, could always count on seeing him Boxing Day at Tom’s country ramble and shoot extravaganza. Each and every year, he never ceased to amaze at his relentless quest for outrageous headgear which he would ensure Tom was always a part of.
ReplyDeleteWhilst the memory is hazy now, I am pretty sure the first time I met him was at the Pepperbox where having gone for a quiet..ish drink… those 20 years ago, he was entertaining the pub with his attempts to walk the ceiling whilst skewering himself to some kind of small meat hook left in the timbers. Given the company I was in and met that night (and the brew consumed) I have no idea if he did make it, but there were some deep imprints left in the ceiling for some years after. In the last couple of years I would often bump into him on a later train back from London and simply just chat about work, life, and stuff over a beer. That was the time I probably got to know the most about him and his life, especially that with Kate and the children.
These couple of stories won’t mean that much in the grand scheme of things here, but the simple thing is this. In all those years I knew Owen, I cannot, could not think, of a single time I met him when he wasn’t smiling. It was a constant, the smile, the cheeky comment, and asking how you were. Even when you knew times were hard for him, he never wavered in that respect, he always had a smile for anyone, and that takes courage… and a lot of it. I have no doubt he was a rascal on probably more than several occasions, but a good natured one. Always fun to be around, a gentleman, and a brave man, whom I believe touched the soul of everyone he met… and that’s a rare thing…. Rest well Owen old chap.
For Kate, Joe, Tom, Tilly, and Jake; my condolences and sincere thoughts are with you at this difficult time
James
I first met Owen back in the mid-1990s via mutual friends and colleagues when we both worked at Morgan Stanley and of course, the pubs and bars on the Wharf. What a great time!
ReplyDeleteI have two great memories of Owen. Firstly, a chaotic house party at “Chez-Martin” in Brenchley back in 2000. I’d just started dating Debbie and we ended up in the middle of the sticks, miles away from the big smoke of London. I seem to remember a hot summer’s day/night, a whole lamb being spit roasted, enough booze to last an eternity and guests streaking across the fields….as you do! Finally, we resorted to sleeping on a staircase as there was no room or indeed, carpet space to crash. Superb night and one both of us remember fondly!
Secondly, Scoop’s stag weekend in Vegas. OK, I know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but I remember the two of us chilling out at the pool at The Hard Rock Hotel knocking back our umpteenth cocktail. Suddenly, this crazy American woman sits near us and over the course of half an hour reels off her belief in the “Cosmic Power of Rocks and Crystals”, and that each one of us has the power within us to harness the power of crystals and become super humans. It was at this point Owen gave me one of those “WTF is she on about?” looks, sending me into an uncontrollable fit of giggles. She then proceeded to go topless into the pool (a big non-no in the USA) and within seconds was escorted kicking and screaming out of hotel by “homeland security”!! I’m smiling right now as I recall the story.
My abiding memory of him was as a person who loved life and loved his family. I can quite honestly say, I never saw him without a smile on his face.
Our deepest condolences to Kate, Joe, Tilly, Tom and Jake, his mother Judy, his family members and all that loved Owen.
What a man, what a friend.
Love from Laith, Debbie, Isabella and Oscar Al-Janabi xx
I too remember that party....Owen had set up a 'golf course' in a field which resulted in complete chaos, closely followed by endless rounds of Kate's sloe gin to go with the lamb spit roast. And we sat up outside well into the night laughing at all the shenanigans. Bob and I however did manage to squeeze a space on the carpet, to be rudely awakened by one of the dogs trying to 'get into bed' with me in the morning - a fact which Owen found highly amusing and insisted on reminding me of every single time I saw him since! Our hearts go out to you Kate and your family, such a lovely man. Sheena and Bob xx
ReplyDeleteTo good pals, Owen and the Martin family.
ReplyDeleteThe Myers clan were very lucky when we landed in Horsmonden some 3 years ago on moving from Paddock Wood. Even more lucky to stumble into the Castle pub and meet you guys...that generally led to more stumbling typically at last orders and fighting over whose round it was!
Oliver and I loved our Dads and lads golfing in Portugal and I am so honoured we were there with you and the Martin sons this year.
We will never forget the laughs we had, and the infamous 5 iron (aka the wand), and the Fezes. You falling over with laughter when I shanked a shot and then hit another into the woods to ease my temper!!
Sleep well our friend, and keep smiling- we remember that the most.
Kate, Tilly and the boys, in our thoughts - the Myers clan, Andy xx
Owen was the most wonderful, the best, brother anybody could ever wish for, just as he was the most wonderful husband, dad, uncle, son and friend.
ReplyDeleteHe was one of those special people who could be naughty and fun but also loyal, moral and above all caring and kind.
It was so much fun growing up with Owen. He was always outside and up to something. He roamed the countryside for miles around,shooting, fishing,breeding partridges, checking snares, making fires while night fishing on the beach in Herne Bay, but most of all enjoying nature.
There are enough tales of Owen's adventures to write a book and everybody will have there own favorite memory of that cheeky laugh and smile.
And so now the ocean has lost a little of its twinkle, the birds sing a little quieter, the bluebells are not so blue, the world has lost a special soul.
I was so blessed to have had Owen as part of my life, my big brov. He really was my most favorite person in the whole world and I, like so many others, will think about him and miss him everyday for evermore.
Sara
Owen was the most wonderful, the best, brother anybody could ever wish for, just as he was the most wonderful husband, dad, uncle, son and friend.
ReplyDeleteHe was one of those special people who could be naughty and fun but also loyal, moral and above all caring and kind.
It was so much fun growing up with Owen. He was always outside and up to something. He roamed the countryside for miles around,shooting, fishing,breeding partridges, checking snares, making fires while night fishing on the beach in Herne Bay, but most of all enjoying nature.
There are enough tales of Owen's adventures to write a book and everybody will have there own favorite memory of that cheeky laugh and smile.
And so now the ocean has lost a little of its twinkle, the birds sing a little quieter, the bluebells are not so blue, the world has lost a special soul.
I was so blessed to have had Owen as part of my life, my big brov. He really was my most favorite person in the whole world and I, like so many others, will think about him and miss him everyday for evermore.
Sara
It is with deep sorrow we learnt from Charles of Owens death . Larri and I met Owen and Tom by chance at a local night spot in Hastings NZ ,27 years ago .They were looking for Larri Jacobs the older brother of Charles ,we were just chatting with them . Of course they were very surprised to discover that they were actually talking with the said older brother. As a consequence we invited them to Larri's 40th birthday the following weekend the party was a great success and the lads had a great time then stayed at our home a couple of nights . We remember them both with fondness as they were both great fun .Young men on their big over seas experience . Could you please pass on our condolences to the rest of Owens family .
ReplyDeleteJoy Jacobs
Thank you so much for this. Owen often spoke about the party and Birdie (?). My children and I feel we were there. Owen said they were having so much fun but had to move on in case they never made it home!! Hands across the world to you Kate Joe Tom Tilly and Jake
DeleteIt has been my honour and privilege to be counted amongst Owen’s closest friends for the past 40 years through Sutton Valence School, college years, travelling the world, being his best man, fishing and shooting and just all the general fun times we have shared.
ReplyDeleteTo pinpoint one story out of all those years of fun and laughter is obviously very hard and we have bored many a gathering with tales of our time travelling, but here is one story that is not always mentioned.
When we were hitch-hiking around New Zealand and it was getting near the end of our trip we were thinking we might extend the trip as we were having so much fun. Anyway, we popped into the Main Post Office to see if we had any mail from home. I was particularly hoping it would be Owen’s new bank card as he had lost his. We had been living off mine for the past three months and it was rapidly running out. Anyway, quelle surprise, no card! But there was a letter from Kate.
We sat down on the steps outside the Post Office and Owen read Kate’s letter (with her telling him of her news and what everyone was up to). That was the day when Owen realised Kate was the one for him and he said ‘Tom, we’ve got to get back home’. So we came home a few days early, surprised the hell out of Judy first, then went straight out to find Kate. We found her at Sissinghurst playing fields and the rest is history.
I’ve had the pleasure to see Kate and Owen bring up four wonderful young adults and have witnessed the pride and love that Owen has had for Kate, Jo, Tom, Tilly and Jake – and that is his legacy. That is what made him such a special man, that we have all loved and laughed with over the years. There was never a dull moment when he was around and to think he managed to make so many people enjoy life, whilst being Welsh too!
Truly amazing. Love you mate. Keep them smiling upstairs,
Tom
Hi
ReplyDeleteFirstly I would like to say how sad and sorry I was to hear that Owen had passed away and pass my condolences to all his family and friends.
I didn't know Owen for very long only when he came to work at Barclays but I can entirely relate to all the comments around his sense of humour, the infectious laugh and cheeky grin. The memory of a great afternoon at the races at Ascot that ended with Owen approaching the ladies hobbling out on their fancy shoes and offering them plasters from his pocket. He got taken up on the offer a couple of times as well. For me personally though he helped me through a difficult time when I was diagnosed with a brain tumour (luckily begnin and not as serious as his) his generous sharing of his own experience and taking the time to listen to me and then make me smile about it was invaluable.