Stunning yellow blooms are brightening up this town in Devon thanks to one man’s legacy and dream of his; he left more than 2 million pounds to a community association which he wanted to be used for planting these flowers.
Keith Owen was an investment banker from Canada who was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in 2007. Owen was a millionaire and decided to leave a floral tribute to Sidmouth where he had plans of retiring.
Today, there are 153,000 bulbs planted through the town, bringing unparalleled beauty to the area, all in the memory of Owen.
Owen Was Diagnosed with Terminal Cancer so He Donates His Life Savings for THIS
Back in 2007, Mr. Owen was 69 and was informed by his doctors that he had only weeks left to live. After learning this news, Owen decided to donate his 2 million pounds of life savings to a voluntary countryside conservation society in Sidmouth.
Owen contacted the SVA and informed them he wishes that his money be used for support of the local projects and volunteering, especially to ones with a focus on ambiance and the way of life that’s recognized in Sidmouth and around it.
Ed Harrison from the Sidmouth Civic Society said that this was a major surprise. Today, every year, the blooms bring back wonderful memories of a man who did a lovely thing for his town and won’t ever be forgotten.
Not Just Daffodils, but so Many Other Stunning Flowers
The daffodils grow on Peak Hill in Sidmouth.
According to walker in the region, Julie Hudson, daffodils are a symbol of new growth and hope. But, they’re not the only flowers that were planted thanks to Owen’s donation.
There are also snowdrops and crocus bulbs. They’re among the 153,000 flowers that were planted in 50 different locations and are worth around 166,000 pounds.
Owen died in 2007, on the 3rd of December in the Victoria Hospital in Sidmouth. He was a millionaire born in Totnes in 1938 and went to school in Paignton. He had no children and a brief marriage.
After 20 years of RAF service, Owen retired and lived in Ottawa.
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