09/17/2022
To our extended Outpost family:
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our Matriarch, Marion Owen, at 91 years of age. To most of you, she was simply known as 'Nana'. For most of her life, being Nana was one of her favorite roles. Over the past 27 years, she enjoyed the intersection of many lives that the Outpost became.
Be it on the front porch, a casual conversation around the dining table, or during the weekly prayer group and bible study--there have been uncountable friends made far and wide. As a woman of strong and tried faith, she held a personal obligation to others that may be in need of an assuring word or a strong hand. Many volumes could be written about the wonderful encounters over these past 27 years at the Outpost.
As a lifetime traveler, she appreciated hearing other's stories about their lives and the places they have been. She enjoyed sharing her experiences from traveling throughout the United States and abroad. It is from these experiences that the origins of the Outpost came.
Marion and her husband, Rufus (R.M.) began their life together in Western NC shortly after the war. Rufus was a Forester in the Pisgah National Forest and was sent to the Uwharries in 1961 to survey off the boundary lines for what became the Uwharrie National Forest. Marion and Rufus were extremely active in the church and multiple civic organizations in our community. They raised their four daughters (Margaret, Melinda, Teresa, and Telena) in the heart of the Uwharries. They spent their weekends hiking, fishing, and camping at the interesting places Rufus discovered during his Forestry work throughout the week.
After traveling across the United States in 1967 and staying in many of the National Forests and State Parks, the family gained a much greater appreciation for the Uwharries and its uniqueness. It was then that they began advocating for opening and developing recreation areas in the Uwharrie Forest. Up until this time, most of the Forest was closed except to the annual wildlife hunts. In later years when the Forest Service determined the need for a new ranger station, the property that the Outpost sits on now was proposed. After an alternate location was selected near the Montgomery County courthouse, Rufus and Marion felt strongly about the Eldorado location and purchased it themselves in the late 1970's. They expanded their farm and raised cattle on the property.
As the girls raised their families, they continued their weekend adventures to their favorite places of the Forest. It was during these hikes and camping trips that the family persisted there needed to be a central access point for visitors to find all the wonderful opportunities that the Uwharries offer.
After much discussion and envisioning throughout the family, the youngest two daughters decided in the early 90's that the time was now. Rufus and Marion, after 10 years of retirement, agreed. After many months of planning, the family got together on June 6, 1995 for the grand opening of Eldorado Outpost. Everyone, including the grandchildren, played a role in those opening times. This brought much joy to Rufus and Marion. Ultimately, this would become her greatest community outlet.
We, as a family, want to thank everyone for the many years of friendships and partnerships. We certainly will miss her in our lives. We look forward to hearing from many of you as you recount your memories with Marion. Please share memories and pictures for us all to enjoy.
***We will share arrangements as they are made in the coming days.
