Owen Clearkin

Owen Clearkin

1943-2025

Owen was born in New Zealand. He leaned to ski there and later he and his brother Hugh skied in the Olympics in Europe for New Zealand. He funded his skiing by working as a journeyman carpenter, working among other jobs on the Victoria tube line in London.

When he came to Canada he worked in construction in Vancouver and up North before coming to Gabriola.

His pride and joy was his acreage on Peterson Road. He had many ventures there, firstly with his much loved horses, Winnie and Bess. Later he grew grapes ( he produced creditable Ortega and Dornfelder wines) and flowers and vegetables, also bee keeping. Later came his “million gallon pond” and his plantation of hazelnuts.

Another source of great pride to Owen was his 20 year service with the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department, where he became Deputy Chief.

As his health deteriorated he was helped greatly by friends, notably Tom, Esther, Steve and Brenda, who continued to see him until the end of his life.

When he could no longer manage at home he went to Nanaimo Seniors’ Village, where he received excellent care.

Owen could be stubborn and intransigent but was a very kind and generous person.

He will be lovingly remembered by his family  abroad, his many friends and his adopted family, Ed and Margaret and their daughters Emma and Lucy.

At a future date we will arrange a gathering to tell stories of Owen and to raise a glass to the Owen we knew.