‘True gentleman’ Barry Owen dies aged 82
The co-founder of Liverpool-based consultancy Mason Owen passed away this weekend.
A company statement said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our founding partner and chairman, Barry Owen OBE, aged 82.”
Born in Stockport in 1942, Barry Owen returned to Liverpool with his parents after the Second World War.
Owen started his career at Bernard Thorpe & Partners in 1963, and set up Mason Owen with Geoff Mason in 1967. Mason, who went on to set up Mason Partners, died earlier this year aged 83.
Under Owen’s stewardship, Mason Owen forged a reputation as one of the region’s best-known retail consultancies, boasting clients including Iceland, Co-operative Food, and Asda.
A legend of the Liverpool property scene, Owen received an OBE from the Queen in 2009 in recognition of his services to charity and business.
Owen “enjoyed an extraordinarily long, varied and successful career” the company statement added.
“He was a true Liverpool gentleman. His enthusiasm inspired a generation. Barry’s legacy is one of unparalleled kindness, generosity and love.
“Barry is survived by his wife, Susanne, six children and seventeen grandchildren, which he called his profit in life.”
Details of funeral arrangements Liverpool memorial service to celebrate his life will follow in due course, the company said.
A lovely tribute to one of the kindest, most generous men I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He was never without a twinkle in his eye and always had time for you. It’ll be standing room only at his memorial service, that’s for sure.
By Dougal Paver
I am proud to say that I was a partner of Barry’s in the 70s. Probably the happiest days of my business career.
By David Inman
Very sad news, Barry really was one of a kind, he treated employees like family, a great loss to many, condolences to Barry’s family and the wider Mason Owen family
By Helen Kegg
Sad news. A great guy to work for in the seventies and has remained a friend since then.
RIP Barry.
By Tim Titheridge
If you didn’t know Barry, your life is less full as a result. If you knew him, it is undoubtedly enriched. An absolute pure gentleman, completely full of compassion, kindness, and magnificent humour. A legend. A titan. RIP.
By Sam Gosney
School friend….attended his wedding…great memories…fine man.
By James Davies
I got a job with Mason Owen at the very start of their journey. I was receptionist/telephonist in the very small offices in Lord Street, later moving on to Union Court.
What fantastic times that was. I’ve never forgotten the buzz in the office. Barry and Geoff such great bosses. Generous to the staff when business was good, we helped them once when it wasn’t! Always felt valued. I remember going on my first foreign holiday and going straight from work to the station for my train. Getting called into their office and Barry giving me £20 spending money. That was a fortune to me in those days.
Fabulous days and such fond memories of Barry and Geoff. I’ve never forgotten.
By Jackie Watts nee Downes