Owen Walter Howe

Owen Walter Howe, 26, of Afton left this world to begin his next journey on November 11^th.  He was born in Charlottesville and brought great joy to his family.  Owen grew up in Nelson County, attending North Branch School, Rockfish Elementary, St. Anne’s-Belfield School and graduated with honors from Nelson County High School.  After high school he pursued his passions for music, cooking and the outdoors.

He put his energy and heart into everything he did.  He worked hard for the family business, Windridge Landscaping, and took pride in his projects.  He also worked alongside one of his childhood best friends, Ryan Pace, assisting with his company Green Thumb Landscaping.

When Owen challenged himself to learn something new, he had incredible focus and determination to accomplish it.  Whether it was snow skiing, hockey, baseball, juggling, watersports, sailing, becoming fluent in Spanish or playing musical instruments, Owen excelled at them all. 

At the age of 4, Owen picked up a guitar and never put it down.  He was a master of both acoustic and electric guitars by the time he was a teenager.  He also played the upright Bass in the St. Anne’s orchestra and was first chair of his section by his junior year.  Owen had an in depth knowledge of many forms of music.  He understood music theory and took pride in composing music and performing it with others.  Whether it was rock & roll, the blues or jazz, Owen played from his heart and soul. 

Owen is survived by this loving family, parents Jeffrey & Christy Howe, sister Emma Jane Howe, grandparents Cindy Chandler, Nancy Frazee & David Payne Sr. (Belinda Payne), his aunts Debby Howe, Jillian Byrne, Megan Campbell (Tim Campbell), his uncle David Payne Jr. (Danielle Payne), and his cousins William Van der Linde, Devon Byrne (Jon Craig), Colt Childs, Timmy Campbell, Carter Payne & Vayda Payne.  Owen was loved and cherished by his family, friends & pets. 

Owen’s untimely death was a shock to us all.  We are deeply saddened that he lost his long struggle with substance addiction.  He will live on in our memories forever as will his beautiful music.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 18^th at 2:00 PM at the family farm in Afton, Virginia.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Owen’s memory to the Divided Sky Foundation or Save the Music Foundation.

Arrangements by the Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel of Lovingston (434-263-4097).