Timothy Owens Obituary: Timothy Owens’s Obituary by the Courier-Journal.
11/26/15, 1:56 PM
Timothy Edward Owens
Owens, Timothy Edward,
On November 24, 2015, our Heavenly Father called his devoted servant, Timothy Edward Owens, home.
Timo was the youngest of Clarence and Elenora Owens' seven children. He is survived by his sister, Ann
Pudlowski (St Louis Mo); his brother, Clarence Donald Owens (New London CT); his sister-in-law, Linda
Kenney Owens (Hartford KY); his sister and brother-in-law, Aline and Donald J. Shaw, Sr (Louisville KY);
his sister, Mary Sue Owens (Colchester CT); and very dear friends of the family, Rick Longoria (Bastrop
TX); Nancy Walla (Washington DC); and Barbara Cassin (Colchester CT). He was also blessed with a wealth of nieces,
nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews he held very dear and loved to tease and spoil. Timo's parents; his brothers,
C J Jr and Michael; brother-in-law, Thomas Pudlowski Sr; great-nephew, Jarrod Knox; and very dear friends, Greg
Bateman, and Norma and Neal Scannapecco, are now welcoming him home.
Timo's life was a rich and colorful tapestry, created from his many loves - teaching, spirituality, dogs, theater, and
traveling. He had been an instructor in ASL Interpreting Studies at the University of Louisville since 1997, assuming the
role of coordinator in 2007. He was a consummate learner and shared this passion with his many students and
colleagues. He was very involved in ASLTA (American Sign Language Teacher Association), and was elected president
for this national organization in 2013.
The National Catholic Office of the Deaf (NCOD) had also recognized Timo's outstanding leadership skills, electing him
to many offices throughout his long involvement. He was approached regularly to give workshops and lead retreats,
being one of the most sought-after directors for the Deaf Cursillo weekends.
In 1983, Timo saw a great need for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children in the Kentuckiana area and set about looking for
a solution. During the summers when hearing children were presented with many options for camps and social
opportunities, Deaf and Hard of Hearing children were often alone with few, if any options. Thus, the Mini Deaf Olympics
was born. A small, but mighty group, the seven participants and seven staff began what would become an annual event,
growing exponentially each year. Timo's vision of providing an environment where these children could gather, socialize,
compete, and ultimately develop confidence and leadership skills became a reality. Throughout its history MDO has
embraced and welcomed all Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families. Timo never allowed any "barrier" to
prevent a child from participating. Many of MDO's extensive and accomplished alumni, nationally and internationally,
contribute their growth and success to their experience with MDO and Timo.
Shortly after MDO's founding, another need presented itself, that of qualified interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing community in the Louisville area. With his charm and persuasive skills he approached various organizations
and was successful in establishing and directing the not-for-profit Deaf Community Center of Louisville, later becoming a
nationally Certified Deaf Interpreter himself. His leadership and advocacy in growing the pool of qualified interpreters led
to his selection as one of the original consultants for the Kentucky Board of Interpreters, proudly serving for more than
20 years.
These are just a few of Timo's many accomplishments. He has had a profound impact on the communities he lovingly
served and has been an inspiration to many. When asked which of his many awards he cherished the most, Timo did
not hesitate in answering. It was the national George Veditz Award he received in 2007, presented "in recognition of His
Significant Contributions to the Field of ASL Teaching." He was so humbled and honored because George Veditz was a
pioneer and someone he had always admired.
The family would like to express gratitude to Timo's gracious friends for their never-ending support in this time of need.
You have been a blessing to us all.
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to one of Timo's favorite organizations:
Bliss Animal Haven - http://www.blissanimalhaven.org/ c/o MarySue Owens, 206 Taylor Rd., Colchester CT 06415.
MDO - http://www.mdoyouth.org/ c/o Don Shaw, P O Box 17565, Louisville KY, 40217.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/louisville/obituary-print.aspx?n=timothy-edward-owens&pid=176661194
Page 1 of 2
Timothy Owens Obituary: Timothy Owens’s Obituary by the Courier-Journal.
11/26/15, 1:56 PM
National Deaf Cursillo Inc. c/oAnn Pudlowski, 3 Nazareth Ln Apt 316, St. Louis MO, 63129.
Calling hours will be at Ratterman's Funeral Home, 3800 Bardstown Rd, Louisville KY. Beginning on Thursday,
November 26, from 6 to 8pm with the Rosary being recited at 7:30 pm and visitation continuing on Friday, 1 to7pm, with
the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Louis Bertrand Church, 1104 South Sixth Street, 9:30am, Saturday, with interment to
follow in Calvary Cemetery, 1600 Newburg Rd.
Funeral Home
Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home
3800 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40218
Published in The Courier-Journal on Nov. 27, 2015
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/louisville/obituary-print.aspx?n=timothy-edward-owens&pid=176661194
Page 2 of 2