About John keith Owen

Keith Owen was born in Totnes on April 17, 1938. He entered RAF Henlow Technical College (1956–59), followed by flight training (1959–62) at RAF Tern Hill and RAF Swindersby. Later he had postings to RAF Valley, Anglesey; to Singapore (flying Canberra aircraft on reconnaissance), and in Saudi Arabia. Latterly he was based in Canada, a country in which he was happy.

In 1976, after 20 years RAF service, he retired with the rank of Squadron Leader. He set up home in Ottawa, Canada, and became a Canadian citizen. He also became a Financial Advisor in Ottawa for the next 10 years.

From 1986, he travelled the world, on trips that sometimes lasted years, touring Mexico, Africa, the Far East, and Australia. In 1998 Keith made his temporary home in Britain in a narrow boat and, over the next two years, he virtually completed the Grand Tour of UK canals. Then he sold the boat and returned to Canada, visiting Sidmouth regularly to see his mother who lived in Barton House.

In 2007, Keith, whilst visiting, found that he had a terminal illness. When he contacted the SVA in May 2007 he said he had less than 8 weeks to live. The money he had saved for retirement he now wished to place into the care of the SVA, so that it could be invested. Thus, was created the KEITH OWEN FUND (SVA). The capital was to be a permanent endowment, and the income generated, was to be administered through the Association.