“Owls”

This edition of Tell Us Something was recorded on December 3rd, 2013 at the Top Hat Lounge in Missoula, MT. The theme was “Promises”.

John Engen shares his story “Owls”.  John Engen breaks the promise he made to himself as a young man to never return to the Top Hat. He keeps his promise he made to his wife to love honor and obey. They stay at The Owl Chalet in Plumer ID. They take the 7 hour “scenic route” to The Owl while driving a Honda that has no air conditioning in 100+ degree weather.

John Engen was born in Missoula in 1964, attended Willard Elementary School, Hellgate High School and The University of Montana, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism.  Missoula’s 50th mayor, John was was elected in 2005, re-elected in 2009 and again in 2013.

Before serving as mayor, John served a term as a City Council member, was an award-winning writer and editor for the city’s daily newspaper, owned and operated his own small business and volunteered for a variety of Missoula’s non-profit organizations, concentrating on human services. As an unpaid auctioneer and emcee, John has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to help our friends and neighbours in the community.

John and his wife, Tracy, live in the Rattlesnake Valley with a rescued Labradoodle, Odie; a rescued cat named Moose; a rescued Poodle cross, Cooper; a rescued Greyhound, Artie; and a bunch of fish.