News

Posted: 03 March 2026

Obituary supplied by Owen's family.

Owen’s long rowing career started when he joined Clydesdale ARC aged 19. He liked to say that he only went along because he liked the club tie!

He joined during the club’s centenary year and within two years had won his first Scottish title. His crew then formed the basis of the Scottish eight competing for selection for the Rome Olympic Games in 1960. They lost the final race by four feet to an Oxford University crew who went on to represent GB.

Owen progressed to representing Scotland and enjoyed continuing domestic success, but rowing gave him more than medals. It gave him lifelong friendships, discipline, humility and perspective. He threw himself into ensuring continuing success at Clydesdale, serving as Secretary, Vice President and President. He was particularly enthusiastic about the club’s outreach work with local schools, many of which served some of Glasgow’s most deprived communities. Owen was also a leading light in starting to raise funds that twenty-five years later allowed Clydesdale to purchase the lease for the renovated West Boathouse.

Always looking to grow the sport in Scotland, he became a founder member, and later the President of Castle Semple Rowing Club. The club became part of the community, something that was always a priority for him.

In September 2000, Owen achieved something quite remarkable, winning at the World Masters Regatta in Belgium, rowing a coxless pair with lifelong friend Duncan Paterson. Truly remarkable because the previous year he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and told he was likely to succumb within five years. Over a quarter of a century later he was still battling the debilitating condition.

Owen had a rare ability to inspire without imposing. Many who passed through the sport carry something of his influence even if they do not recognise it.

Owen gave generously to the sport he loved, and the sport and its communities are better for having had him.

Scottish Rowing would like to take this opportunity to pass on their condolences to Owen's family and friends.
Thank you to David Collie and Alastair McGhee for providing the information and image.