People of Scone say farewell to tragic family

Dec 15 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE PEOPLE of Scone paid an emotional farewell to three members of the same family killed in a recent road accident.

Presided over by the Rev Bruce Thomson, Scone Old Parish Church heard how Michele Owen (36) and her sons Callum (13) and Ethan (11), were well-known throughout the community for their involvement in various aspects of village life.

The family were killed after a collision near Aviemore, as they travelled north to deliver Christmas presents to relatives.

School friends, members of 1st Scone Company of the Boys’ Brigade, relatives and locals gathered to pay their respects.

The venue was so full the service had to be relayed into the adjacent church hall – where Callum and Ethan attended the Boys’ Brigade, and their mother helped with the junior section.

Writing in the PA, husband and father, Ian Owen, told of how they were taken “suddenly and tragically”, poignantly adding: “I never got to say goodbye, I will always love you – precious memories never die.”

Rev Thomson spoke of Mrs Owen and her “bubbly personality”.

While Perth Academy pupil Callum was more interested in rugby, Ethan, who attended Robert Douglas Memorial School, played for Scone Thistle U12s and his mother helped out at the club.

Callum had aspirations to join the police while his younger brother spoke of being a footballer or firefighter.

Between the hymns All Things Bright And Beautiful and Abide With Me, the boys’ uncle, Michael Owen, recounted his personal memories of his sister-in-law and his close relationship with his nephews.

Marking the family’s deep attachment to the organisation, a collection was taken for the 1st Scone Company, Boys’ Brigade.