Neil Owen, uncle and friend

PRESTON, Idaho - Neil Gregory Owen, at age 58, took his last ride Friday  morning, Sept. 14, 2012, while on the cattle drive up Worm Creek Canyon.  He died from injuries due to a horse that is now for sale. His dog never left  his side until he was taken off the mountain. Neil loved life. He was always "shootin' the bull" with everyone. As a dry  farmer and dairy farmer he watched the weather very closely. He worked  at USU Central Energy Plant for the past 15 years and loves his many friends  there. He also loved his associations as a counselor in the Legacy Branch.  Many will miss him; Santa now has an opening for a new helper. As a Preston High School graduate he spent most of his life in Preston with the  exception of two years as a missionary in Tennessee and 10 years in Soda  Springs, Idaho. Neil is survived by his wife of 36 years, Iva; as well as five children whom he  was so proud of: Carrie (Josh) Kirk of Providence, Christie Owen of Centerville,  Cathie (Keith) Coombs of Chugiak, Alaska, Cody (Stephanie) Owen in Limbo,  and Connie (Colby) Law of Smithfield; and 12 grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Robert (Judy) Owen of Preston, Anna (Gordon)  Barlow of Lewiston, William (Marta) Owen of Texas and Scott (Kelli) Owen of  Weston. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Odessa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, in the Preston  North Stake Center, 310 N. State St., Preston, Idaho, with Bishop Tom Madsen  conducting. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Webb Funeral Home,  1005 S. 800 East, Preston, Idaho, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday  at the stake center. Interment will be in the Franklin, Idaho, Cemetery. Neil was an amazing uncle.  He was  father figure to me in my youth.  I think when I was little, I may even have had a crush on him!  Going to Iva's and Neil's was the grandest adventure for me. I would go whenever possible.  He would always have horses and three little blonde girls to play with.  I was in Heaven on his farm!   He was always talking to someone!  It didn't matter who!  He would become your best friend in about 2.2 seconds.  He was awesome like that.   Every time we had Thanksgiving at Iva and Neil's home, he made sure to get horses for his grandkids and for my kids.  My children will forever remember uncle Neil and his horses.  He worked hard to make us all happy.   He would lead the kids around for hours on the horses.  He was very patient about it.   The Thanksgiving of 2010, just after my mom was diagnosed with cancer, Neil made sure to get her as close to her grandchildren as possible.  That included driving her down to the barn on a four wheeler as well as moving the lazy-boy chair outside so she could be a part of all the action.  It is sad and comforting to know that they are reunited with each other in the post existence.  Neil was one of my mom's favorites in life.  I know they are enjoying each other's company. I'm a little jealous!   Thanks for all the memories Uncle Neil!  You loved, served, laughed, worked, played and enjoyed life.  You were an example to many and you will be missed by many.  I pray that your family will be filled with the spirit of peace.  Love you!