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Owen Cornish
September 7, 1922 - November 11, 2016
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<div itemprop="description">Owen Wilson Cornish BSc DDS<br>September 7, 1922- November 11, 2016<br>Fittingly Owen passed away on Remembrance Day at the Kipnes Veterans Centre in Edmonton. Owen is survived by his children Bill, Heather , Janice Ritchie and husband Scott, and Jim and Cristina Cornish. He is fondly remembered by his grandchildren Adria Riddell(Kevin) and Lauren Ness(Erik), Darcy and Daniel McAllister(Anika) Ashley Hyde (Kavan) and David Cornish(Layla). He had two great grandsons, Asa and Imre Riddell. In addition he had a third “daughter”, Karen Ward(Brian, Glenn and Tricia)as well as long-term companion Betty Rawlinson.<br><br> Born and raised in Preeceville, SK to a disabled WWI veteran Charles and Emily Cornish (nee Reid) Owen was the eldest of four children which included sisters Margaret and Millie as well as brother Charles. . Upon turning eighteen he entered the British Commonwealth Air Training Program. From there he progressed from pilot to flying instructor to bomber pilot in 4 Group, Bomber Command, 77 Squadron, flying the Halifax completing 22 missions over Germany.<br> Post –war aptitude testing revealed good manual dexterity and it was suggested he consider dentistry as a career. After a move to Edmonton and marriage to the love of his life, Shirley Mae Maynes dental school followed. He continued to fly B 25s with 418 Squadron on weekends. Owen eventually became CO and Wing Commander on January 31 of 1959. His practice began in 1954 and continued until 1990. He and Shirley enjoyed a rich social life with many friends from Air Force, Church choir, Bridge Club, curling and the lake(LLB).<br>Owen did missionary dental trips to the Caribbean island of Dominica as well as providing dental care in remote northern communities.<br>After losing Shirley to cancer in 1991 he suspended his practice and began flying gliders, which he did until age 80. His garden at LLB was a sanctuary as he loved the solitude of the lake. He remained vigorous until the age of ninety , arthritis eventually limiting his activities. His puzzles and reading allowed him to be sharp until the end. As per his wishes he will be cremated with a small celebration to follow. He will next summer become one with the soil in his garden where he enjoyed many happy hours of toil.<br>The family wishes to thank the Dr. and staff of the Kipnes Centre for the excellent care that was provided to Owen in his final months. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the SHINE Dental Clinic or the Alberta Aviation Museum.<br></div>