Owen Susman-wormser Owen is in our heart

On October 16, 2016, of brain cancer, surrounded by his loving family.  Owen was born September 7, 1938 in New York City to Robert Lawrence Wormser and Virginia Shields Wormser, both of whom predeceased him, as did his step-father Reese Milner.  Owen was a champion swimmer in high school and played football at UCLA.  He was an Air Force fighter pilot who served two tours in Viet Nam and retired as a Colonel in 1988, to begin a new career as a consultant to firms doing business with the Defense and Intelligence Agencies. Upon moving from Washington DC to Royal Oak in 2003, Owen retired from business and devoted all his passion and energy to his new community.  He ran for County Council, was President of the Taxpayers Association and Mental Health Association and served on a number of other local non-profit boards.  He was appointed by the Governor to the Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission.  As an Amateur Radio Operator, he built and operated a ham radio station at home and spent many hours talking with other amateur radio enthusiasts.  He was always a strong supporter of amateur radio operators helping with emergency communications for the Red Cross as well as national, regional, and local government agencies. He was often spotted on the rural roads in his huge pickup bedecked with antennas “speaking” by Morse code to friends near and far.  His other familiar vehicle was the bright yellow Corvette convertible, which reminded him of the days long ago when he raced Corvettes for Chevrolet. Owen was a passionate advocate for animals of all kinds and was a major supporter, donor and fundraiser for Talbot Humane, and other no-kill animal rescue organizations.  He was a loyal and dear friend to many, a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be missed and continue to be cherished by all whose lives he touched. He is survived by his beloved wife Julie Susman, his son Robert (Jennifer) and their daughters Ellie and Katie, and his step children Tara Susman-Peña (Osbel) and their children Esther and Misha, Shana Sheva Vaknin (Aharon) and their children Yehuda, Rachel, Esther, and David, and Micah Susman (Erin Mahoney) and their daughter Helene, and his half siblings Reese, John, Jim and Helen Milner.  His devoted Portuguese Water Dogs Yagi and Sasha remained by his side to the end.