This site is a tribute to Michael John David Owens, 1948-2022.

Michael sadly left us on Tuesday 18th January. 

He was known by many names; to some he was Michael, to some Mike, others MichaelJohn, to his grandchildren he was Ubabamkhulu or Baba, to me and my brothers he was Dad or Daddy, and to one person he was Mr O.

Anyone who had the pleasure of spending time in Dad’s company could see he was a truly unique soul. He was a quiet man but still dominated nearly any room he went into. He brought the best out of all those around him and people gravitated towards him. When he spoke it was either something profound or something wickedly cheeky that would get everyone in a fit of giggles.

He married his best friend and truly the two of them had the sort of love story written about in works of fantasy. Upon meeting Mum and Dad people would always tell us how in love they both were. My brothers and I are blessed to have grown up with a house with that sort of love.

The biggest test of their relationship came with his battle with cancer. For five years at the toughest of times Maggie’s at Charing Cross Hospital offered support not just for Dad but also for Mum and our whole family. 

Maggie’s is a charity offering free support to cancer patients in centres located beside major hospitals across the UK. They focus on the things that really make a difference, like money worries, help with stress and depression, managing side-effects and relationship and family support. Their centres are designed to be a home from home that’s designed to feel nothing like a hospital. They are calm, friendly and welcoming places, full of light and warmth, providing thoughtful spaces to find privacy as well as places to come together as a group.

For a few hours each week Dad wasn’t the cancer patient from clinic 8 – at Maggie’s he could find refuge and oasis, put on his headphones and be a concert pianist or the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane! The work Sinead and her team do is essential and I know Dad was ever grateful for the love and support offered by the team. That’s why he was so adamant that Maggie’s got the recognition that they deserved for helping at what was the hardest of times.

Any donations to Maggie’s would make the world of difference and ensure they can continue the fantastic work they already do to ensure all patients have a safe space within the hospital grounds. 

So here’s to you Daddy, thank you Baba, see you soon Michael and love you always Mr O x