Remembering Mr. Dan Owen (1978–2025) and Cooper Owen (2009-2025)
Published:
The international education community mourns the loss of Mr. Dan Owen, and his son, Cooper, who both tragically passed away on October 15, 2025.
Dan Owen had a remarkable journey in education that spanned continents and left a lasting mark on the international education community. Over nearly two decades, Dan served with Quality Schools International as a teacher, director of instruction, and school director in Kazakhstan, China, Slovakia, Belarus, and Vietnam, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence, compassion, and community-building. His leadership was defined not by titles, but by his unwavering belief in people and his ability to foster environments where students, teachers, and families felt valued and supported. Dan’s leadership wasn’t about authority — it was about presence. He led with kindness, patience, and humility. He believed that true leadership meant walking beside people, not ahead of them. He had a gift for balancing professionalism with humanity — for making people feel heard, understood, and appreciated.
And during challenges, like the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, he showed exactly what it meant to lead with heart. He was out on campus in the middle of the storm, wading through water, checking on classrooms, ensuring that everyone — from the youngest student to the local support team — was safe and cared for. His calm, steady presence brought comfort and direction when it was needed most.
Dan’s impact extended beyond his professional roles, shaping the lives of those closest to him, especially his son, Cooper. Cooper was known for his kindness, energy, and thoughtful nature. He quickly became a respected leader among his peers, making a lasting impression through his involvement in student council, Model United Nations, and sports. Cooper’s easy humor and genuine care for others reflected the strong family bond he shared with his parents, a relationship built on mutual respect, love, and support. Their connection was a testament to the importance of family and the enduring influence of parents’ guidance.
Dan’s legacy will continue to inspire educators and communities around the world. His warmth, integrity, and hands-on approach inspired colleagues and students alike, and the legacy he has left—by leading with kindness, caring for one another, and finding joy in the simple, human moments that connect us, had left a lasting imprint on the school community in Haiphong and across QSI. Dan and Cooper’s absence is deeply felt, but their spirit lives on in the laughter of students, the strength of school communities, and the countless lives they touched.
Dan and Cooper are survived by their loving wife and mother, Jessica Owen.
