Owen’s Story: Serving the Community That Shaped Him

Just over ten years after walking across the MEI graduation stage, Owen Crocker finds himself practicing law just a short drive away from where he once flipped burgers at McDonald’s and rang up customers at Best Buy. His story is one of steady growth, self-reflection, and community connection—values seeded early and nurtured through years of hard work.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Owen describes his high school years at MEI as “pretty chill.” He wasn’t the type to chase top grades or scholarships—he was more interested in building work experience and making social connections outside of school. “I heard that to be well-rounded, you needed a job,” he says. “My parents really encouraged that, too.” So he juggled shifts at McDonald’s and Best Buy while volunteering at his church, often with a guitar in hand.

Academically, high school wasn’t without its struggles. Math and science didn’t come easy, but he found his stride in subjects like law, history, and English honours. Law school had always been a goal, even if it was a bit of an arbitrary decision at the time. “It just had a nice title,” he laughs. “I figured maybe I could afford a house in the Valley one day.”

A SURPRISE RECOGNITION

In 2014, as he crossed the graduation stage, Owen was unexpectedly awarded the Calder-Giacchini Memorial Award offered through the Abbotsford Community Foundation’s (ACF) Student Awards Program. He didn’t realize what had happened until he stepped off the stage. “It was a huge honour,” he recalls. “I didn’t have the highest grades, so I wasn’t expecting it.” The scholarship not only supported his post-secondary education—it also instilled an important lesson: it’s always worth applying. That mindset would benefit him again in the years to come.

FINDING HIS PATH AT UFV AND BEYOND

With the award in hand, Owen enrolled at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Honours Philosophy with an extended minor in Criminology. He quickly discovered that UFV offered rich opportunities for students who showed initiative. “The small class sizes and one-on-one time with professors made a big difference,” he says.

Throughout his undergraduate years, Owen kept a full plate—working at Costco, maintaining a high GPA, volunteering, and staying socially connected—all while keeping his sights set on a future in law. After applying to law schools across BC and Alberta, he accepted an offer from the University of Victoria (UVic).

His early success with ACF’s Student Awards Program turned out to be more than just a financial boost—it was a pivotal moment. It gave him the confidence to continue applying for scholarships, which paid off significantly. Thanks to the support he received, Owen was able to graduate from law school completely debt free.

That journey wasn’t without its challenges. His first year at UVic coincided with the height of COVID, resulting in online classes and limited opportunities to connect with peers. “It was hard to build camaraderie,” he shares. “But I really liked the program and professors. UVic is a smaller law school, and I got to know the faculty well.”

After two summers working as a legal student at RDM Lawyers LLP in Abbotsford, Owen discovered a strong interest in business and real estate law. He completed his articles at the firm, and after being called to the bar, joined Linley Welwood LLP, where he continues to practice today.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY THAT RAISED HIM

Now back in his hometown, Owen is embracing the opportunity to serve the community that shaped him. “It’s fun to practice in the city you grew up in and help clients you know,” he says. In addition to his legal work, he sits on the ACF Governance & Nominating Committee, serves on the Board of Directors with Apologetics Canada, and continues to volunteer at his church.

Looking ahead, Owen hopes to one day pursue a Master’s in Philosophy—not for his career, but for personal enrichment. In the meantime, he’s focused on doing meaningful legal work, supporting his community, and raising a family.

A WORD OF THANKS

Owen is quick to express gratitude for the people who supported him throughout his journey. He credits his parents for encouraging his pursuit of education and providing financial support during his undergraduate studies. He’s also deeply appreciative of his wife’s support during law school and acknowledges the lasting impact of his professors at UFV—especially Jeffrey Morgan—who helped shape his academic path.

From flipping burgers to filing legal briefs, Owen’s path may not have followed a straight line—but it’s brought him full circle, right back to the community he’s always called home.

To learn more about how ACF continues to support graduating students through our Student Awards Program, click here.