On Friday, April 29, 2022, Wyatt Edgar Owens passed away peacefully while surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Born on February 24, 1941, to Bernie and Violet Haney Owens, he was predeceased by his parents and older brother, Rupert Mercer Owens.

He shared so many stories about his love for growing up as a young child on their family boxwood nursery in Albemarle County and his special bond with his Uncle Skinny. Wyatt loved a fast, sleek car and his dear Uncle spoiled him with many shiny ones over his teenage years.

Growing up in Earlysville, Virginia, Wyatt graduated from Albemarle High School in 1960. He was always proud to say he lettered in four sports for all four years of high school and was named both in football as Most Valuable Player and the Falcon Club Player of the Year. He loved football! He spent many a Friday and Saturday on the field as a little league football coach and also refereeing high school football all over Virginia. He was a founding member of the Cavalier Football Club and the Central Virginia Chapter and State of Virginia National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame. Always supporting his daughter's alma maters, he cheered many a "Wahoowa" at the University of Virginia and "Hotty Toddy" at OleMiss games, where he fully enjoyed acting as host for his girls and their friends at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville or The Grove in Oxford, Miss.

Always an over achiever and planner, his professional career began with The University of Virginia Engineering Department and then as Director for the University Medical Career Fund. In the early 1970's, Wyatt transitioned into the insurance industry and later as President of National Group Protection, Inc. before retiring after several decades. A proven leader in that niche market, he "flew the friendly skies" for decades as he provided multiple lines of insurance to many U.S. airlines, airline manufacturers and associated airline unions. His hard work, dedication and strong work ethics led him to a rewarding career of which he was proud.

In September of 1979, he married the love of his life, Trish. Their love of travel took them to many places across the globe and there was always a great story he could tell about each one. Be it crossing the Panama Canal, sailing the Mediterranean and Caribbean, sipping wines in Italy and France or just simply hula dancing in Hawaii, he and Trish were a team and always had fun.

Wyatt never met a stranger and will always be remembered for his welcoming spirit, joy of life, humor and pranks. He loved spending time outdoors, in particular tending to his yard. He was a great party host, and an even better bartender. Wyatt cherished his family first and foremost, but also will be remembered for being partial to a good steak from Foods of All Nations, a closet full of clothes from Eljo's and The Young Men's Shop, a secret stash of Levi Garrett, his woefully disobedient beagles, a scotch poured in a proper rocks glass and his second home and the beaches of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. He loved all things John Deere, recently purchasing a new & hard to find John Deere gator for his 81st birthday. He loved chasing that little white ball around on the course with his family and friends and he loved The Dogwood Festival, Farmington and the Virginia Jaycees. Wyatt had few dislikes, but generally avoided his car gas level being below half full, anything "with milk", paying retail and the shade of Carolina blue.

Wyatt is survived by his wife, Trish Owens, of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Ashleigh Owens and her husband, Parker Wright of Free Union, Virginia, and their three children, Sophie, Riggs and Colette, as well as Whitney Murray and her husband, Patrick Murray of Charleston, South Carolina, and their three children, Millie, Scarlett and Beatrice. He loved his daughters with all his heart and adored his six grandchildren. Wyatt is also survived by his sister, Karen Goss and her family of Charlottesville, Virginia, and his sons, Barry Owens and Brandon Owens.

A private celebration of Wyatt's life will be held at Farmington Country Club later this month.

The family's heartfelt gratitude is expressed for the staff at UVA's Acute Care and Intensive Care Units. Donations can be made to the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA in Wyatt's name.

Submitted by Sam Clarke.