Tim, or Timo, as many referred to him, was our Project Representative for the MDO Youth Sports Festival for many years. 

On November 24, 2015, our Heavenly Father called his devoted servant, Timothy Edward Owens, home. Timo was the youngest of Clarence and Elenora Owens' seven children. He is survived by his sister, Ann Pudlowski (St Louis Mo); his brother, Clarence Donald Owens (New London CT); his sister-in-law, Linda Kenney Owens (Hartford KY); his sister and brother-in-law, Aline and Donald J. Shaw, Sr (Louisville KY); his sister, Mary Sue Owens (Colchester CT); and very dear friends of the family, Rick Longoria (Bastrop TX); Nancy Walla (Washington DC); and Barbara Cassin (Colchester CT). He was also blessed with a wealth of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews he held very dear and loved to tease and spoil. Timo's parents; his brothers, C J Jr and Michael; brother-in-law, Thomas Pudlowski Sr; great-nephew, Jarrod Knox; and very dear friends, Greg Bateman, and Norma and Neal Scannapecco, are now welcoming him home.
Timo's life was a rich and colorful tapestry, created from his many loves - teaching, spirituality, dogs, theater, and traveling. He had been an instructor in ASL Interpreting Studies at the University of Louisville since 1997, assuming the role of coordinator in 2007. He was a consummate learner and shared this passion with his many students and colleagues. He was very involved in ASLTA (American Sign Language Teacher Association), and was elected president for this national organization in 2013.
The National Catholic Office of the Deaf (NCOD) had also recognized Timo's outstanding leadership skills, electing him to many offices throughout his long involvement. He was approached regularly to give workshops and lead retreats, being one of the most sought-after directors for the Deaf Cursillo weekends.
In 1983, Timo saw a great need for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children in the Kentuckiana area and set about looking for a solution. During the summers when hearing children were presented with many options for camps and social opportunities, Deaf and Hard of Hearing children were often alone with few, if any options. Thus, the Mini Deaf Olympics was born. A small, but mighty group, the seven participants and seven staff began what would become an annual event, growing exponentially each year. Timo's vision of providing an environment where these children could gather, socialize, compete, and ultimately develop confidence and leadership skills became a reality. Throughout its history MDO has embraced and welcomed all Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and their families. Timo never allowed any "barrier" to prevent a child from participating. Many of MDO's extensive and accomplished alumni, nationally and internationally, contribute their growth and success to their experience with MDO and Timo.
Shortly after MDO's founding, another need presented itself, that of qualified interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in the Louisville area. With his charm and persuasive skills he approached various organizations and was successful in establishing and directing the not-for-profit Deaf Community Center of Louisville, later becoming a nationally Certified Deaf Interpreter himself. His leadership and advocacy in growing the pool of qualified interpreters led to his selection as one of the original consultants for the Kentucky Board of Interpreters, proudly serving for more than 20 years.
These are just a few of Timo's many accomplishments. He has had a profound impact on the communities he lovingly served and has been an inspiration to many. When asked which of his many awards he cherished the most, Timo didnothesitateinanswering. Itwasthenational George Veditz Award he received in 2007, presented "in recognition of His Significant Contributions to the Field of ASL Teaching." He was so humbled and honored because George Veditz was a pioneer and someone he had always admired.
The family would like to express gratitude to Timo's gracious friends for their never-ending support in this time of need. You have been a blessing to us all.
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to one of Timo's favorite organizations: Bliss Animal Haven - http://www.blissanimalhaven. org/ c/oMarySueOwens, 206Taylor Rd., Colchester CT 06415.
MDO- http://www.mdoyouth.org/ c/oDon Shaw, P O Box 17565, Louisville KY, 40217.
National Deaf Cursillo Inc. c/oAnn Pudlowski, 63129.