Wayne Owens: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted 3 edits by BIGmoney101 (talk) to last revision by Bbb23
 
(43 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 26: Line 26:
}}
}}


'''Douglas Wayne Owens''' (May 2, 1937 – December 18, 2002) was an American politician and a member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] for [[Utah's 2nd congressional district]] from 1973 to 1975 and again from 1987 to 1993.<ref name="bioguide">{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=O000156 |title=OWENS, Douglas Wayne, (1937–2002) |access-date=2007-07-05 |work=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 1774–Present |publisher=U.S. Congress }}</ref>
'''Douglas Wayne Owens''' (May 2, 1937 – December 18, 2002) was an American politician and a member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] for [[Utah's 2nd congressional district]] from 1973 to 1975 and again from 1987 to 1993.<ref name="bioguide">{{cite web|url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=O000156 |title=OWENS, Douglas Wayne, (1937–2002) |access-date=2007-07-05 |work=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 1774–Present |publisher=U.S. Congress }}</ref> He was posthumously inducted into the [[Hinckley Institute of Politics]] hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hinckley.utah.edu/hall-of-fame/ | title=Hall of Fame - the Hinckley Institute }}</ref>


==Early life and Education==
==Early life and education==
Born and raised in the small cowboy town of [[Panguitch, Utah]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Barone |first1=Michael |author-link1=Michael Barone (pundit) |last2=Ujifusa |first2=Grant |title=[[The Almanac of American Politics|The Almanac of American Politics 1988]]|work=[[National Journal]] |year=1987 |page=1206}}</ref> His family was very poor and he didn't have shoes for part of his childhood. In his early years he was writing political advertisements on the sidewalk, and when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he would respond "President of the United States". Working on and off as a cowboy on various sheep ranches in the area, Owens graduated from Panguitch High School in 1955.
Born and raised in the small town of [[Panguitch, Utah]],<ref>{{cite book |last1=Barone |first1=Michael |author-link1=Michael Barone (pundit) |last2=Ujifusa |first2=Grant |title=[[The Almanac of American Politics|The Almanac of American Politics 1988]]|work=[[National Journal]] |year=1987 |page=1206}}</ref> Owens graduated from Panguitch High School in 1955, then attended the [[University of Utah]] in [[Salt Lake City]], from which he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1961 and his [[Juris Doctor]] in 1964. Owens' undergraduate education was interrupted while he served as [[Mormon missionary|missionary]] to [[France]] for [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (LDS church) from 1957 to 1960.<ref name="bioguide"/> In France, he met his future wife, Marlene, a fellow missionary for the church. Owens worked his way through college and law school through working various jobs, including being a night-watchman at the Beehive House. He then worked as a lawyer in private practice and as a staffer for three [[United States Senators]], [[Frank Moss (politician)|Frank Moss]] of [[Utah]], [[Robert F. Kennedy]] of [[New York (state)|New York]], and [[Edward M. Kennedy]] of [[Massachusetts]].<ref name="bioguide"/> He was the Western states coordinator for the presidential campaigns of Robert Kennedy in 1968 and Edward Kennedy in 1980, and served as a delegate to the [[Democratic National Convention]] in 1968 and 1980.<ref name="bioguide"/>


⚫
==Career==
He then moved to [[Salt Lake City]] and attended the [[University of Utah]], from which he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1961 and his [[Juris Doctor]] in 1964. Owens worked at the first [[Kentucky Fried Chicken]] in the world ( then known as Harman's Cafe), at the time when there was only one location. He personally knew [[Colonel Sanders]] and [[Pete Harman]]. They took a natural liking to Owens, and soon he was entrusted to personally open up the second KFC ever as the manager.
[[File:Sen. Hatch and Rep. Owens.jpg|thumb|left|U.S. Sen. [[Orrin Hatch]] (R-Utah) (left) holds a press conference with U.S. Rep. Wayne Owens (D-Utah) (right) in March 1989 as part of their successful charge to win passage of the [[Radiation Exposure Compensation Act]] (RECA), which provides for ongoing compensation to Southern Utahns and others damaged by nuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s.]]
In 1972, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] by "walking for Congress" throughout the district to meet voters personally. He unseated incumbent Republican [[Sherman P. Lloyd]] with 55% of the vote. During that period, he sat on the House Judiciary Committee which voted for the articles of impeachment of President Richard M. Nixon.


⚫
He ran an unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign against [[Jake Garn]] in 1974, then served as a [[mission president]] of the [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|LDS]] Canada Montreal Mission from 1975 to 1978, after which he returned to [[Salt Lake City]] to practice law. In 1984, Owens lost the [[1984 Utah gubernatorial election|Utah gubernatorial race]] to Republican [[Norman H. Bangerter]], but was re-elected to the House in 1986 and served through 1992, when he ran for the U.S. Senate again. That year, he was defeated by a wider margin than expected by [[Robert Foster Bennett|Bob Bennett]]. Owens was embarrassed that year by his involvement in the so-called [[House banking scandal]].<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=olNTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UoQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6526,5107484&dq=wayne+owens+house+banking&hl=en Candidates support House list all names of check-bouncers]</ref>
Owens' undergraduate education and KFC management stint was interrupted while he served as [[Mormon missionary|missionary]] to [[France]] for [[the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (LDS church) from 1957 to 1960.<ref name="bioguide"/> In France, he met his future wife, Marlene, a fellow missionary for the church.


⚫
==Personal life==
Owens worked his way through college and law school through working various jobs, including being a night-watchman at the [[Beehive House]]. Many years later during his congressional career, he got back together with the original management team of KFC over a fancy dinner. He told his son [[Doug Owens]] "If i would have stayed on with those guys I would have made a lot of money". [[KFC]] is now the second largest restaurant chain in the world behind [[Mcdonalds]].


On December 18, 2002, Owens suffered a fatal [[myocardial infarction|heart attack]]<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/19/us/wayne-owens-ex-congressman-is-found-dead.html Wayne Owens, Ex-Congressman, Is Found Dead]</ref> in [[Tel Aviv]], [[Israel]] while on a trip to further the cause of [[List of Middle East peace proposals|Middle East peace]].
⚫
==Early Career==
He then worked as a lawyer in private practice and as a staffer for three [[United States Senators]], [[Frank Moss (politician)|Frank Moss]] of [[Utah]], [[Robert F. Kennedy]] of [[New York (state)|New York]], and [[Edward M. Kennedy]] of [[Massachusetts]].<ref name="bioguide"/> He was the Western states coordinator for the presidential campaigns of Robert Kennedy in 1968 and Edward Kennedy in 1980, and served as a delegate to the [[Democratic National Convention]] in 1968 and 1980.<ref name="bioguide"/>

== US Congressional Career==
In 1972, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] by "walking for Congress" throughout the district to meet voters personally. Before beginning his campaign, his close friend [[Ted Kennedy]] asked him if there was anything he could do to help, to which Owens responded jokingly "just stay away from it" referring to the staunchly Republican voter base of Utah, where Owens would run and win as a [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]]. He unseated incumbent Republican [[Sherman P. Lloyd]] with 55% of the vote. He then sat on the [[House Judiciary Committee]] which voted for the [[articles of impeachment]] of President [[Richard M. Nixon]].[[File:Sen. Hatch and Rep. Owens.jpg|thumb|left|U.S. Sen. [[Orrin Hatch]] (R-Utah) (left) holds a press conference with U.S. Rep. Wayne Owens (D-Utah) (right) in March 1989 as part of their successful charge to win passage of the [[Radiation Exposure Compensation Act]] (RECA), which provides for ongoing compensation to Southern Utahns and others damaged by [[nuclear testing]] in the 1950s and 1960s.]]

He ran an unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign against [[Jake Garn]] in 1974, then was called as a [[mission president]] for the [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|LDS]] Canada Montreal Mission from 1975 to 1978 where he established the first french-speaking "stakes" by converting significant quantities of french people to the mormon faith. A stake is the mormon equivalent of a catholic [[Diocese]]. This laid the important groundwork for the [[Montreal Quebec Temple]]. At the dedication of the temple, President [[Gordon B Hinkley]] exclaimed jokingly "you almost got us killed" remembering the time Wayne drove Hinkley around the French mission in the scary traffic back in the late 1950s. Owens maintained his french skills throughout his life. The prominent Utah financier [[Randal Quarles]] served under him as a missionary.

⚫
After his service as a Mission president, he returned to [[Salt Lake City]] to practice law. In 1984, Owens lost the [[1984 Utah gubernatorial election|Utah gubernatorial race]] to Republican [[Norman H. Bangerter]], but was re-elected to the House in 1986 and served through 1992, when he ran for the U.S. Senate again. That year, he was defeated by a wider margin than expected by [[Robert Foster Bennett|Bob Bennett]]. Owens was embarrassed that year by his involvement in the so-called [[House banking scandal]],.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=olNTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UoQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6526,5107484&dq=wayne+owens+house+banking&hl=en Candidates support House list all names of check-bouncers]</ref> Owens was cleared by the House Ethics Committee of any wrong-doing, as the "scandal" was essentially generous overdraft protection and no taxpayer money was ever at risk. Owens was attacked for his "liberal" voting record, which his supporters contended actually was liberal only by the standard of conservative Utah politics. Following his Senate defeat, he retired to semi-private life but remained a tireless proponent for the causes he had championed in the U.S. Congress.

==International Political Career==
Following his political career in the USA, Wayne Owens embarked on a multifaceted journey dedicated to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. First serving as a personal Lawyer for [[King Hussein of Jordan]], Wayne was called back to the US briefly for work in the [[Carter Administration]] on pressing western-water-rights issues on the National Advisory Committee on Resource Conservation and Recovery. Concluding this important work as fast as he could, Wayne Owens and jewish billionaire [[S. Daniel Abraham]] (founder of [[Slim Fast]]) co-founded the Middle East Peace Organization, dedicated to fostering dialogue and cooperation for peace in the region. Building upon his extensive experience and expertise in diplomacy and conflict resolution, Owens collaborated closely with prominent international figures such as [[King Hussein of Jordan]], [[King Abdullah II]], and Israeli Prime Ministers [[Yitzhak Rabin]] and [[Shimon Peres]]. His diplomatic efforts extended beyond traditional channels as he engaged with grassroots organizations and civil society leaders to foster dialogue and reconciliation among diverse communities. Owens' impactful initiatives in the Middle East included facilitating negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, contributing to the historic [[Oslo Accords]], and advocating for sustainable solutions to regional conflicts. His tireless commitment to peacebuilding and bridge-building initiatives earned him accolades and recognition from global leaders and peace advocates alike, solidifying his legacy as a statesman dedicated to promoting harmony and understanding in complex geopolitical contexts.

In December of 2002, Wayne passed away following a heart attack while on the [[Tel Aviv]] Israel beach during an evening walk.

==Environmental Legacy==

Throughout his congressional career, Owens was a friend to [[Environmentalism|environmentalists]] (he would later serve on the boards of several environmental organizations within the state), an advocate for "[[downwinders]]" who had suffered [[Radiation poisoning|radiation exposure]] during [[atomic testing]] in [[Nevada]] in the 1950s, a strong supporter of the [[Central Utah Project]] to bring much-needed water to the region, and founder of the [[Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation]]. He always considered his vote, along with the votes of his fellow freshman congressmen, to force the vote that ended the [[Vietnam War]] to be one of the highlights of his career.

Wayne Owens' environmental legacy in Utah is characterized by his instrumental role in passing landmark legislation and preserving iconic landscapes. As a congressman, Owens championed the Red Rock Wilderness Act, which designated over 1.8 million acres of pristine wilderness areas across the state, including the iconic [[High Uintas Wilderness]] and the rugged canyons of the [[San Rafael Swell]]. Additionally, Owens played a key role in the passage of the [[Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument]] proclamation, protecting 1.7 million acres of spectacular terrain in southern Utah from development. His efforts also extended to introducing environmental studies that laid the groundwork for future conservation initiatives, such as research into the ecological significance of areas like [[Bears Ears]] and [[Cedar Mesa]]. Today, these conservation efforts continue to safeguard Utah's natural heritage, preserving its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems for generations to come.

Wayne Owens played a pivotal role as a congressman in the controversial reintroduction of gray wolves to [[Yellowstone National Park]] in the mid-1990s. Leveraging his political influence and environmental advocacy, Owens sponsored the Yellowstone Wolf Recovery Act of 1995, which provided crucial funding and legislative support for the wolf reintroduction program. Collaborating with organizations like [[Defenders of Wildlife]] and scientists such as [[David Mech]], Owens spearheaded efforts to secure the necessary resources and logistical support for capturing, translocating, and releasing wolves into suitable habitats within the [[Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem]]. His instrumental role in passing key legislation, including the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1987, paved the way for the successful reintroduction of wolves. Owens' leadership and unwavering commitment to ecological restoration enabled the restoration of balance to Yellowstone's ecosystem, marking a historic milestone in wildlife conservation efforts in the United States. Today, the thriving wolf populations in Yellowstone stand as a testament to Owens' enduring legacy in wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.

⚫
==Personal life==
Wayne Owens led a rich and fulfilling personal life characterized by his deep commitment to family, community, and service. Outside of his distinguished political career, Owens was known for his warm demeanor, genuine empathy, and unwavering integrity. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Marlene, and a loving father to their five children. Owens' strong sense of duty extended beyond the political arena as he actively engaged with his local community, participating in various charitable initiatives and volunteering his time to causes close to his heart. An avid outdoorsman, Owens cherished moments spent exploring the natural beauty of Utah's landscapes, finding solace and inspiration in nature. He loved fishing on [[Panguitch lake]]. His personal values of compassion, empathy, and dedication to making a positive impact on the world resonated deeply with those who knew him, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and service.


Speaking at the funeral, [[Gordon B. Hinckley]] called Owens "a man of achievement" and a peacemaker who desired to make the world better. At the time of his death, he was continuing his efforts to improve the world, heading up the Center for Middle East Peace & Economic Cooperation. "I was with him constantly", Hinckley said. "I learned to appreciate and respect him and honor him. I have followed him ever since."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thechurchnews.com/2003/1/4/23241046/church-leader-pays-tribute-to-wayne-owens/ | title=Church leader pays tribute to Wayne Owens | date=11 January 2024 }}</ref>
Owens was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as the Mormon Church. His faith played a significant role in shaping his values, principles, and approach to public service. As a Mormon, Owens adhered to the teachings and doctrines of his faith, which emphasize family, service, moral integrity, and community involvement.


In the [[United States House of Representatives elections in Utah, 2014|2014]] and [[United States House of Representatives elections in Utah, 2016|2016]] congressional elections, Wayne Owens' son, [[Doug Owens]], ran for election to [[Utah's 4th congressional district]].<ref>[http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/1639-another-owens-jumps-into-utah-politics Another Owens Jumps into Utah Politics], ''UtahPolicy.com'', Bob Bernick, January 27, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2019.</ref> He was defeated by Republican candidate [[Mia Love]] in both of his runs.
In the [[United States House of Representatives elections in Utah, 2014|2014]] and [[United States House of Representatives elections in Utah, 2016|2016]] congressional elections, Wayne Owens' son, [[Doug Owens]], ran for election to [[Utah's 4th congressional district]].<ref>[http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/today-at-utah-policy/1639-another-owens-jumps-into-utah-politics Another Owens Jumps into Utah Politics], ''UtahPolicy.com'', Bob Bernick, January 27, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2019.</ref> He was defeated by Republican candidate [[Mia Love]] in both of his runs.
Line 127: Line 105:
[[Category:Latter Day Saints from Utah]]
[[Category:Latter Day Saints from Utah]]
[[Category:20th-century American lawyers]]
[[Category:20th-century American lawyers]]
[[Category:20th-century Utah politicians]]

Latest revision as of 18:34, 4 March 2024

Douglas Wayne Owens
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Utah's 2nd district
In office
January 3, 1987 – January 3, 1993
Preceded byDavid Smith Monson
Succeeded byKaren Shepherd
In office
January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1975
Preceded bySherman P. Lloyd
Succeeded byAllan Turner Howe
Personal details
BornMay 2, 1937
Panguitch, Utah, U.S.
DiedDecember 18, 2002(2002-12-18) (aged 65)
Tel Aviv, Israel
Resting placeSalt Lake City Cemetery
40°46′37.92″N 111°51′28.8″W / 40.7772000°N 111.858000°W / 40.7772000; -111.858000
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseMarlene Wessel
Children5
Alma materUniversity of Utah
ProfessionAttorney

Douglas Wayne Owens (May 2, 1937 – December 18, 2002) was an American politician and a member of the United States House of Representatives for Utah's 2nd congressional district from 1973 to 1975 and again from 1987 to 1993.[1] He was posthumously inducted into the Hinckley Institute of Politics hall of Fame.[2]

Early life and education[edit]

Born and raised in the small town of Panguitch, Utah,[3] Owens graduated from Panguitch High School in 1955, then attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, from which he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1961 and his Juris Doctor in 1964. Owens' undergraduate education was interrupted while he served as missionary to France for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church) from 1957 to 1960.[1] In France, he met his future wife, Marlene, a fellow missionary for the church. Owens worked his way through college and law school through working various jobs, including being a night-watchman at the Beehive House. He then worked as a lawyer in private practice and as a staffer for three United States Senators, Frank Moss of Utah, Robert F. Kennedy of New York, and Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts.[1] He was the Western states coordinator for the presidential campaigns of Robert Kennedy in 1968 and Edward Kennedy in 1980, and served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1968 and 1980.[1]

Career[edit]

U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) (left) holds a press conference with U.S. Rep. Wayne Owens (D-Utah) (right) in March 1989 as part of their successful charge to win passage of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which provides for ongoing compensation to Southern Utahns and others damaged by nuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s.

In 1972, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat by "walking for Congress" throughout the district to meet voters personally. He unseated incumbent Republican Sherman P. Lloyd with 55% of the vote. During that period, he sat on the House Judiciary Committee which voted for the articles of impeachment of President Richard M. Nixon.

He ran an unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign against Jake Garn in 1974, then served as a mission president of the LDS Canada Montreal Mission from 1975 to 1978, after which he returned to Salt Lake City to practice law. In 1984, Owens lost the Utah gubernatorial race to Republican Norman H. Bangerter, but was re-elected to the House in 1986 and served through 1992, when he ran for the U.S. Senate again. That year, he was defeated by a wider margin than expected by Bob Bennett. Owens was embarrassed that year by his involvement in the so-called House banking scandal.[4]

Personal life[edit]

On December 18, 2002, Owens suffered a fatal heart attack[5] in Tel Aviv, Israel while on a trip to further the cause of Middle East peace.

Speaking at the funeral, Gordon B. Hinckley called Owens "a man of achievement" and a peacemaker who desired to make the world better. At the time of his death, he was continuing his efforts to improve the world, heading up the Center for Middle East Peace & Economic Cooperation. "I was with him constantly", Hinckley said. "I learned to appreciate and respect him and honor him. I have followed him ever since."[6]

In the 2014 and 2016 congressional elections, Wayne Owens' son, Doug Owens, ran for election to Utah's 4th congressional district.[7] He was defeated by Republican candidate Mia Love in both of his runs.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d "OWENS, Douglas Wayne, (1937–2002)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 1774–Present. U.S. Congress. Retrieved 2007-07-05.
  2. ^ "Hall of Fame - the Hinckley Institute".
  3. ^ Barone, Michael; Ujifusa, Grant (1987). The Almanac of American Politics 1988. p. 1206. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  4. ^ Candidates support House list all names of check-bouncers
  5. ^ Wayne Owens, Ex-Congressman, Is Found Dead
  6. ^ "Church leader pays tribute to Wayne Owens". 11 January 2024.
  7. ^ Another Owens Jumps into Utah Politics, UtahPolicy.com, Bob Bernick, January 27, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2019.

External links[edit]

Party political offices
Preceded by
Milton N. Weilenmann
 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Utah
(Class 3)
1974 		Succeeded by
Dan Berman
Preceded by Democratic nominee for Governor of Utah
1984 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Craig S. Oliver
 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Utah
(Class 3)
1992 		Succeeded by
Scott Leckman
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Utah's 2nd congressional district
1973–1975 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Utah's 2nd congressional district
1987–1993 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wayne_Owens&oldid=1211834205"