July 08th, 2020

Remembering longtime Linn Dem Louise Owens

​Louise Owens, a longtime Linn County Democrat who served as vice chair of the local party for many years, died Saturday at Lebanon Community Hospital. She was 72.
Loyd Henion, former Linn Dems chair, paid tribute to his friend and Democratic Party colleague in this Facebook post:

It didn't take long for anyone who knew Louise to learn just what an extraordinary person she was. The longer one was acquainted with her, the deeper the awarenesses of her exceptionalism became.
Her diversity and depth of knowledge and experiences were revealed during every conversation. 

Louise Owens speaks with Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama during a campaign rally in May 2008 at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in Albany. The photo appeared on the front page of the Albany Democrat-Herald.

Louise had a thirst for learning through reading, traveling and teaching. Her travels took her many places throughout the world, including teaching in Yoncalla, Oregon, as well as in Alaska, Japan and Indonesia, and running a food bank in Seattle.
She worked for the local and state Democratic Party from her home in Lebanon. Her love and expressions for truth and justice were transmitted to others in the most thoughtful, graceful and articulate way.
Her ability to express her thoughts in stories verbally and in essays, letters, prose and children's textbooks always left me mystified as to how one person could accomplish so much. And she did all of this without expecting any recognition. 
She truly became one of my best lifetime – and most appreciated – friends. Some people are simply not replaceable. 
Oh did I mention her wit and humor. She could always make me laugh even during the worst of times. 
I could not have survived being Chair and Co-Chair of the Linn County Democrats for 10 years without Louise keeping me sane as the Vice Chair. 
No memorial will be sufficient for my friend but we will stage one soon, obeying all the rules of social distancing, outside with limited numbers, (Zooming option will be available) and mask wearing at a location to be determined.
I will never forget you, Louise.
Your friend,
Loyd Henion​