Martin David Owens Jr.

Martin David Owens, Jr, age 66, of Sacramento, California, passed away on April 25, 2022 after a long illness. Marty, also known as “Dave” to his family, was born on May 27, 1955 to Martin D. and Mary Virginia Owens in Massachusetts, but spent most of his life in Ohio, where his father relocated. After graduating from Ohio State University, he served for 5 years as an officer in the U.S. Navy. In 1980, while stationed at Pearl Harbor, Marty’s ship put in at Kailua-Kona for diving practice and R&R. There, he met his future wife Ann at a Navy League potluck on the beach. After years of long-distance correspondence and several return visits, Marty and Ann married in 1986 on the island of Moloka’i in a tiny church built by St. Damien De Veuster. They set up their home in Honolulu, where Ann worked.

In 1990, Marty entered McGeorge School of Law, and the family moved to Sacramento, CA. He graduated in 1993 and was admitted to the California Bar. He was an early pioneer in the development of Internet gambling and online gaming law, co-authoring a textbook on the topic. He gave presentations about Internet gambling and setting up online gambling businesses at trade shows and conferences in the United States, Ireland, England, Denmark, and Malta. He also wrote informational and editorial articles for gambling trade journals and web sites.

Marty loved to travel. He and Ann cruised down the Nile, visiting many towns and temples of the ancient Egyptians. He also loved the sea, and he and Ann spent many hours snorkeling and SCUBA diving in Hawaii and Australia, including a memorable Christmas on Heron Island, on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Marty was a masterful storyteller. He often regaled friends and family with colorful tales about growing up on the back side of Thistle Down Racetrack in Cleveland, where his father, a Thoroughbred horse trainer, maintained a stable. He eventually published a collection of those stories. He also wrote stories about were-wombats, built detailed models of military planes and ships, fished for salmon on the Sacramento River, and attempted to capture the beautiful California hills in watercolor. He loved to listen to music, and often said he drew inspiration, courage, and strength in dark times from the songs of Bruce Springsteen.

Marty had big dreams, and chased them, but he remained grounded. He took his familial responsibilities very seriously, and never once wavered in his loyalty to, and love for, his family.

Marty was predeceased by his mother, Mary Virginia Owens, and father, Martin David Owens. He is survived by his wife Ann, son Patrick A. Owens (Lorene Owens Zubizarreta), daughter Laurel E. Owens, two grandchildren, Alai and Emma, his brother, Alfred Owens, and sister, Virginia Owens Aime.

All services will be private.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harryanauman.com for the Owens family.