Woopaa’s mom

It is with broken hearts that we begin to hear the news of Gene Owen’s sudden passing earlier today. He was 66 years old.   Gene walked around feeling blessed. His bulls brought him joy. He was excited, nearly giddy in his understated way, to be hauling the best one in the world. He beamed with pride that Man Hater was getting national attention but still preferred to be holding his rope instead of a microphone. The credit for back-to-back world championships and the highest-ever bull score were never his. He’d recognize his partner Jane Clark, the courageous bull rider, his Lord Jesus Christ, and of course the prized animal athlete. With over 40 years in the bull business, there were many great ones. Cochise. American Gangster. Always Been Crazy. Moonlight Party. Lil 2 Train. Zorro. Exodus. Seven Dust.    Not a day went by when Gene’s animals didn’t come first. The pile of money he left on the table by sitting his bulls to keep them rested and fresh was substantial. He cared for them hard.   Gene liked to see the positive side of things. “God is in the miracle business,” he’d say.   He also recognized how temporary life is. On a horse today in Oklahoma it changed in a second, and we lost Gene Owen.     Gene leaves behind his significant other and best friend Lari -- often seen flanking bulls in a matching shirt -- a son and daughter, and grandchildren.     Today is a very sad one. But I believe Gene would want us to take his passing as a lesson. Make the most of every single second on God’s beautiful earth. Live for your family. Love your friends. Take good care of your animals. Honor your savior. Be humble, be kind, and be thankful for every precious moment.

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