WORDS FROM BROTHERS IN THE CHAPTER ETERNAL

The words that follow come from the Pi Kappa Phi brothers whose earthly journeys ended before Durward’s, but whose reflections on him continue to speak volumes. In their own voices, they captured what so many felt, and still feel for Durward Owen: deep respect, heartfelt gratitude and unwavering affection.

From the Chapter Eternal, these are reminders of a brotherhood that endures for life, and beyond. In honoring Durward, these brothers remind us of the impact one man can have across generations, and the kind of legacy that lives on in the hearts of others.

BERNIE JONES

ALPHA (COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON)

Before Durward and Greg Elam, there was Bernie Jones, who was the executive secretary while Durward was an undergraduate member of the Xi Chapter.

“It would be nice to say that I saw in Durward Owen that small flame which would grow into a roaring fire and result in a national fraternity par excellence. Alas, I was only hunting for one young man to develop one chapter. I have reflected upon this many times through the years, and I have come to the conclusion that the genesis of any great movement is a small flame inside one person. I am proud to be his friend and to have him as my friend.”

MUNSEY MOORE

XI (ROANOKE)

While countless Pi Kappa Phi brothers came to love Durward during his time as executive director, fewer shared Xi Chapter with him. Munsey Moore was one of those men.

“Durward, you have always treated me like a member of your family, but I am sure there are thousands of others who feel exactly as I do. Yes Durward, you are that special individual that has “climbed every mountain and forded every stream” of life and has touched the lives of thousands and made our world a better place to live. When you join the Chapter Eternal, the God of Pi Kappa Phi will say, ‘well done, good and faithful servant.’ I shall always treasure my years with you as an undergraduate, but most of all I will remember my lifetime of knowing you as one of the most special, kindest, wonderful men God has put on this earth.”

KIM JEPSON

ALPHA THETA (MICHIGAN STATE)

A past National President of Pi Kappa Phi, Kim Jepson and Durward worked closely together. Durward wrote of Kim, “he was more like a sibling or a close friend, than my employer, more so than any other alumnus except Ted Scharfenstein.”

“Dear Durward, how can I tell you the depth of affection and appreciation I feel for you without becoming maudlin? Only rarely, if ever, does a man have the privilege of making a true friend and at the same time working with him to accomplish some little good. My relationship with you has been that kind of wonderful experience. I sense that you know how I feel about it without becoming pitiful by trying to put it in words. So, I’ll simply say, ‘Thanks, Brother. When you need me, I’ll be in your corner.’”

WILLIAM “BILL” FINNEY

GAMMA XI (GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN)

A dear friend and brother to Durward, who wrote that Bill Finney “probably had the second most supportive spouse in all of Pi Kappa Phi,” referring to his devoted wife, Jane. Bill and Jane became great friends to Durward and Connie.

“My most memorable experience in Pi Kappa Phi was the day my son came home from the hospital after being born. The first non-family member to visit us was Durward Owen. He rang the doorbell, and when I opened the door, he was standing there holding a red rose and a miniature Pi Kappa Phi jersey. He came in, and we all sat down on the sofa and had a wonderful time reminiscing about things. The fraternity has been a big part of our whole family life for many years. Durward, thank you for making me a better person. I love you, and you have been a great part of my family’s life.”

PHILLIP M. SUMMERS

ALPHA PSI (INDIANA)

Through his tenure as National President, Phillip Summers and his wife Pat developed strong friendships with Durward and Connie, built on mutual respect and love for Pi Kappa Phi.

“Dear Durward, there are very few opportunities to meet and know ‘great people.’ We have been honored to know you and Connie, who are two of the most unique, caring and revered people who deserve the title of being ‘great.’ I continue to work with undergraduate members and the Greek community because we never know who the next ‘Durward’ might be. Many, many thanks for your leadership, labor and love of Pi Kappa Phi. We will never forget the wonderful moments and times we have shared with you. Our many memories will keep alive our feelings and friendship for you both.

We never know our destiny, but mine has been blessed by you!”

TED SCHARFENSTEIN

BETA BETA (FLORIDA SOUTHERN)

Outside of Connie, Ted was Durward’s best friend and most trusted confidant.

“Durward, I greatly appreciate the friendship we have developed, which has become an entire family-to-family one. Please accept my thanks for this as I reflect on the many values of Pi Kappa Phi to me and my family.

Too often in the concentration upon the tangibles of our work we forget to think of the individuals who really make it all possible. It is now that I want to take a moment to share with you my thanks, my gratitude, to you for what you have done and continue to do. I know, I have been there for many years to see those contributions, to share a little with the griefs, the concerns. And, I know with great appreciation those personal sacrifices and infringements upon your family. Connie is an angel! Not only has she and the family spent countless hours without you, she even comes to our aide at the office, as do your children.

Thanks is not enough, Durward. But, until you are better rewarded, please understand this one old-timer’s appreciation.”