Sedona AZ (June 19, 2013) – John William (Bill) Owen, 71 years of age, died on Saturday, June 15, 2013, at about 7 in the morning while photographing cowboys conducting ranching activities at Camp 16, off of Indian Route 18 located in the area of Peach Springs, Arizona.
Investigating deputies learned that Bill Owen, a well-known western artist from Kingman, Arizona, arrived at Camp 16 on Thursday, June 14, 2013, with the intention of photographing ranch hands while they went about their day to day activities. Owen typically incorporated photographic images into his artwork.
According to ranch hands, some of whom were in close proximity to Owen as he disassembled a portable tepee, one of the cowboys saw Owen fall to the ground and called out to others “man down.”
Several of the ranch hands rushed to Mr. Owen and administered CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) for an extended period of time, possibly thirty minutes, before medical personnel arrived on the scene from Peach Springs, Arizona.
Medical personnel conferred with a Kingman Regional Hospital physician via phone and pronounced Owen as deceased.
Owen’s body was transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office in Flagstaff. At this point in the investigation detectives do not suspect foul play.
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This is sad news. Bill Owen was a talented man.
Bill, RIP.
Your sons & mine – Bill Owen 3rd & Sean Owen – miss you deeply.
We had 20 together as a young family, which included the role of watching the amazing evolution of an artist, taught by a higher master.
You humbly gave all credit to your Creator. I loved that about you. You strive-d for perfection & exceeded, reaching the divine with your creations.
When did it happen? The merging of man & his art?
I was blessed to be there to watch this incredible metamorphosis.
Thank you for sharing the gift we created together- our two little boys. They modeled for you in the early art years (we bribed them with nickels to stand still, remember?)
You gave the world a piece of your soul with each painting, drawing, sculpture. What the world didn’t know is that the each piece hurt just a little when it was time to sign you name & call it finished.
We shall dedicate each ocean sunset to you, taking a bit of comfort that our Lord, the Divine Master artist, is beside you now with a universal size canvas & eternal flow of paint.
May God comfort all your families as only He can.
Gratefully & eternally yours with love, Ann Stotts & our sons, Bill Owen 3rd & Sean Owen.