John Owens; 1948-2025

John Burton Owens, 77, of Red Bluff, CA, and Fort Klamath, OR, passed on Oct. 6 after suffering from a stroke. He was born in Red Bluff in 1948 to Jack and Elaine (Alford) Owens and into a family deeply rooted in livestock production, raising sheep and cattle. From an early age, he embraced the ranching lifestyle, dedicating himself to it throughout his lifetime. John attended the Reeds Creek one-room schoolhouse from second through eighth grade before continuing on to Red Bluff High School. There, he played football and was involved in FFA, graduating in 1966. John went on to attend California State University, Chico, where he excelled at football and the livestock judging team. He earned a degree in agribusiness in 1970.

John met the love of his life, Candy Clough, in 1971. Eager to begin their journey together, they were married on his birthday, July 14, 1973, on the front porch of her childhood home. From the first days to the last, John and Candy stood shoulder to shoulder, building a life together through hard work, love and unwavering companionship. John and Candy were anxious to begin a family of their own, and their children were the center of their lives. Their first son, Nathan Owens, was born in 1976. Their second son, Bryan Owens, was born in 1980.

Nathan’s marriage to his wife, Nicole Hall, and Bryan’s marriage to his wife, Sheena Miller, were both joyfully celebrated at the same ranch where John and Candy had exchanged their vows. John was endlessly proud of his boys and they shared countless hours of meaningful work with their cattle. He faithfully came out of the mountains each week during the high school football season to cheer them on. A tradition he had just begun to carry on with his grandsons—watching with the same pride and devotion.

John cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren, Ally and Macy (Nathan and Nicole’s daughters) and Ceinna, Marek and Jack (Bryan and Sheena’s children). Whether he was watching them play sports, celebrating holidays or working cattle together, those moments were among his greatest joys. He took special pride in their abilities on horseback, seeing in them the same love of ranch life that had shaped his own. John spoke often of their talents and accomplishments, and he rarely missed a chance to be present at their activities. To him, his grandchildren were not only a source of pride and joy, but also a reflection of the values and traditions he was proud to pass down.

John took the utmost pride in his cattle, dedicating himself to building a herd that reflected his remarkable eye for genetics and quality. Alongside his cattle, John had a deep affection for his horses and dogs, treating each with respect and care, as both loyal companions and essential partners in ranch life. His devotion to the land and the animals he tended was a legacy he carried with pride, and one that continues to live on through his family. John’s commitment to the cattle industry and his community was evident throughout his life. He began helping at the Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale as a teenager, served as a director for many years and went on to serve as its president from 2011 to 2019, devoting countless hours of energy to the event. Over the years, he was the volume bull buyer many times, a reflection of his belief in the quality the sale represented.

John was a member of the California Cattlemen’s Association, Tehama County Cattlemen’s Association, Tehama County Farm Bureau, American Stewards of Liberty and also a lifelong Elk’s Club member. In 1999, John was honored as Top Hand by the Red Bluff Round Up Association for his years of volunteer service. He was named the Tehama County Cattlemen’s Man of the Year in 2005 and recognized as the Tehama County Farm Bureau’s Farmer of the Year in 2007. In 2023 John received the Jack Alford Award from the Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale in recognition of his support and dedication. John was a true cattleman, devoted steward of the land, and a respected pillar not only in the beef industry but also in his community.

When John wasn’t working on the ranch he enjoyed traveling, playing pinochle, golfing, reading Western novels and watching classic western movies. He also loved following sports on television and was a devoted San Francisco Giants and 49er fan through and through. These pastimes reflected his love of both adventure and tradition.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Elaine; his brother, David; and many dear friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Candy; his sons, Nathan (Nicole) and Bryan (Sheena); brother, Kenneth (Sheree); niece, Lacy (Cole) Hook; nephew, Roy (Casey) Owens; and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will carry his memory forward. John was humble and lived with integrity, generosity and pride in the traditions he upheld, passing them down to his children and grandchildren. His life was defined by hard work and a deep love for the land and animals he cared for. To know John was to witness steadfast loyalty, quiet strength and a deep appreciation for life’s simple blessings. Though he will be deeply missed, the love he shared and the values he lived by, including his guiding principle that “My word is my reputation,” will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tehama District Fair: John Owens Memorial Youth Livestock Fund, 650 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff, CA 96080.