BRUNSWICK — William J. Owen, 69, died Oct. 20 at home, surrounded by his family, after battling with multiple sclerosis for 40 years.

Owen was born in Lincoln, Neb., on Dec. 24, 1942, a son to Leonard J. and Patricia A. (Atkinson) Owen. He graduated from Brunswick High School in 1960 and studied electrical engineering at the University of Maine at Orono.

Owen married Sally L. Scott on Jan. 9, 1965. He was employed by IBM as a field engineer for 14 years. He also was the owner of Owen’s Repair, which specialized in foreign car repairs, and was considered a Volkswagen specialist.

Cars were Owen’s passion. He was president of the Cumberland Motor Club and enjoyed autocross racing. He also loved big band music, and never missed a family picnic. He will be remembered for the wonderful sense of humor he shared with many.

Owen was an active member of the local MS support group. During his illness he was treated gracefully by Timothy Howe of Parkview Hospital and by CHANS Home Health Care. He was very appreciative of his wife of 47 years, Sally, who lovingly cared for him at home.

He is survived by his wife, Sally; three daughters, Jill O. Maeder and her husband, Robert Maeder, of Goshen, Conn., Rebecca “Becky” S. Castonguay, of Topsham, and Lynn Owen, of Brunswick; four grandsons, Kyle D. Cobb, Brian R. Maeder, Jordon R. Castonguay and Kevin O. Maeder; his sister, Deborah S. Whitcomb; his brother, David S. Owen; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial picnic in Owen’s honor will be planned for next summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 845945, Boston, MA 02284-5945, or to CHANS Home Health Care, 60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011-3200. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.brackettfuneralhome.com.

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William J. Owen