It is with immense love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Owen “Odie, Owie, O-Diggity, O’Dawg” Dorfman, aged 64, who left us peacefully on July 28, 2025, at his home in Kelowna, with his wife and girls by his side.
Born on September 12, 1960, in Writtle, Essex, England to Kathleen and Alfred Dorfman. He was the only one of his six siblings to be born at home. With three older siblings (the big kids) and a four year gap, Owen became the oldest of the “little kids”. When Owen was 9 months old, the whole family moved to Canada, settling in what would be Thunder Bay, Ontario. Owen and his two younger sisters, Lynn and Ellen, were very close knit. Owen became a prankster, full of mischief, always lying in wait to scare his sisters or hiding the last puzzle piece just so he could be the one to finish it. He remained close with all of his siblings throughout his life. He was also famously accident prone, always being the one to sprain his ankle or stub his toe, a trait which stayed with him for life. He was full of joy, always laughing, and surrounded by a tight circle of friends- his “guys”- who he cherished throughout his life.
Owen attended Confederation College in Thunder Bay to study Electronic Engineering and later went on to receive his Red Seal Certification, becoming a skilled Electrician. It is in school where he met the love of his life, Michele in 1982- a story he loved retelling, claiming she noticed him first (which Michele never denied). They were married in 1986 and shared 43 years of partnership, laughter and unwavering devotion. They settled in Dryden where they built a family and enjoyed life together for the next three decades before spending 7 wonderful years in the Okanagan. His love for Michele was deep and unwavering- a true partnership built on respect, laughter and shared dreams. They worked together through life’s challenges and joys, always supporting each other with kindness and patience. They cherished spending time at their camp on Thunder Lake, travelling together, and forming lifelong friendships.
Owen’s heart found great purpose in being a father to his daughters, Carly and Molly. In their younger years he was their protector and guide; in their adult years, he became one of their closest friends. He never missed a day talking to his girls, whether it was a quick check-in or a 2 hour long conversation. Together, they shared a passion for music and horror movies, with Owen proudly introducing them to all of the Stephen King classics at a questionably young age. He was an extremely attentive father, always going above and beyond to show his support in every stage of life. They were usually found dancing in the kitchen and singing at the top of their lungs. He was also lovingly known as “Pop Pop” to his two grandchildren, who brought him great joy. He shared an especially close bond with his grandson, Krew and had the privilege of meeting and holding his newest granddaughter, Cove Kathleen. He also shared a close friendship with his son-in-laws, Kale and Gordie. His love for his family was boundless.
Owen worked in Dryden at the Mill as an electrician for many years. He then pursued a career in Northern Alberta, working in upper management with different oil companies. Outside of work, he was a man of many passions. He earned his black belt in Isshin-Ryu karate and spent years as a dedicated sensei, sharing his skills and discipline with others. His love for music was endless, embracing every genre with equal enthusiasm- he was always the DJ at gatherings and had a rare gift for picking up almost any instrument and learning to play with ease. He found joy in golfing on sunny afternoons and could often be found tinkering in his garage, happily lost in a project or listening to vinyl.
Owen was quick-witted, intelligent, and wise, often with jokes so clever they would go over your head. He had an infectious laughter and was able to make anyone smile. He carried himself with quiet confidence and grace, always ready with a kind word, thoughtful advice or a joke to make you laugh. He was the person everyone turned to for advice- whether about life, work, or finances- always seeming to know the right answer. Yet he had a playful, silly side as well, often making up songs and stories. Every decision he made was carefully considered, reflecting his thoughtful and wise nature. He was a great friend to many, forming countless lasting relationships throughout his life.
Owen retired in 2024, looking forward to spending his days surrounded by family and enjoying the simple joys of life. Just 6 months later, he was faced with a devastating diagnosis of a glioblastoma, an aggressive stage 4 brain cancer, a challenge he met with remarkable strength and grace. He never once frowned, complained, or crumbled. He was consistently strong for his loved ones, a true gentleman. He spent the next 7 months surrounded by an immense amount of love, singing, dancing, laughing and telling stories with his family and friends. It was an honour to those surrounded by him to be able to spend those cherished moments with him.
Left to hold him dear to their hearts are his loving family, including his wife Michele Dorfman, his daughters, Carly Dorfman (Gordon), and Molly Kuzemchuk (Kale), and his grandchildren, Krew and Cove. He will be dearly missed by his sisters: Ellen Dorfman (Jim), Lynn Arseneault (Dave), Joan Bailey (Glen), Carol Romanowski (Bill), his brother Ian (Jackie) and brother in-law Russell Wesley (Kelly) as well as Karen, Steen, Ryan and Jenna Espersen. Owen will also be missed by his 13 nieces and nephews, along with many other close friends, colleagues, neighbours and extended family members. He is predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Kathleen Dorfman, and in-laws Don and Lauretta Wesley.
Thank you for a lifetime of happiness. We are so proud of you, we love you endlessly and we’ll miss you forever.
Celebration of life to be announced at a later date.
