Former Malibu Vineyard Church Pastor Dave Owen died on Dec. 14 from cancer. He was 56 years old.
Owen was born on April 4, 1952, and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. He came to the United States in 1981 and worked closely with John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard movement.
After marrying his wife, Sylvia, the couple went back to South Africa in 1982, where they started two churches.
The Owens returned to America in November 1992. A year later they founded Malibu Vineyard Church, for which Owen was pastor, whose first meeting was held at Webster Elementary School and had 150 attendees. The Vineyard Church eventually moved into a building on Stuart Ranch Road and held four services to accommodate its many members.
Owen remained pastor of Malibu Vineyard Church until 2004. He and Sylvia then started Malibu Christian Center in Agoura, which their son took over. In 2006, the couple started a church in Newbury Park, but Owen became ill and resigned as pastor three months later.
Owen was sick for two years before he died, during which he continued to minister from his home and mentor younger pastors.
Owen is survived by his wife, Sylvia, his son, Grant, 32, daughter, Kristy, 27, and two grandchildren.