Architect Owen Mamura dies
By Molly Montag | Posted: Tuesday, November 11, 2008
SIOUX CITY -- Sioux City architect Owen Mamura brought a unique flair to the dozens of prominent Siouxland buildings he helped create.
The longtime architect with Cannon Moss Brygger and Associates died Friday in Rochester, Minn. He was 61.
Architect Jim Ruble, who worked with Mamura for more than 30 years, said his co-worker's creations were unique throughout his career.
"I think each design was an individual project on it's own and that was part of the talent that he had -- to create something unique every time he designed a project," Ruble said.
Some of Mamura's local projects include the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, the Encounter Center, Le Mars Mutual Insurance building, American Popcorn Corporate offices and Vantus Bank's downtown offices.
He also worked on buildings for Akron-Westfield Community Schools in Akron, Iowa, and Unity Christian High School in Orange City, Iowa.
Mamura was a thoughtful designer, said co-worker and fellow designer Todd Moss.
"He looked at each project individually and really responded to the client's needs and desires," Moss said. "He didn't try to force his work or his ideas on anybody, but he was very responsive to what the clients wanted."
Most people know Mamura for his profession, but Moss and Ruble say they'll also remember the Eagle Scout who was a lifelong Kansas State football fan.
They said Mamura, a KSU graduate, initially came to Sioux City to visit a college friend. The Hawaii native decided to stay after meeting his wife, Judy, but continued to enthusiastically support Wildcat football.
The longtime architect with Cannon Moss Brygger and Associates died Friday in Rochester, Minn. He was 61.
Architect Jim Ruble, who worked with Mamura for more than 30 years, said his co-worker's creations were unique throughout his career.
"I think each design was an individual project on it's own and that was part of the talent that he had -- to create something unique every time he designed a project," Ruble said.
Some of Mamura's local projects include the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, the Encounter Center, Le Mars Mutual Insurance building, American Popcorn Corporate offices and Vantus Bank's downtown offices.
He also worked on buildings for Akron-Westfield Community Schools in Akron, Iowa, and Unity Christian High School in Orange City, Iowa.
Mamura was a thoughtful designer, said co-worker and fellow designer Todd Moss.
"He looked at each project individually and really responded to the client's needs and desires," Moss said. "He didn't try to force his work or his ideas on anybody, but he was very responsive to what the clients wanted."
Most people know Mamura for his profession, but Moss and Ruble say they'll also remember the Eagle Scout who was a lifelong Kansas State football fan.
They said Mamura, a KSU graduate, initially came to Sioux City to visit a college friend. The Hawaii native decided to stay after meeting his wife, Judy, but continued to enthusiastically support Wildcat football.
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john cannon wrote on Mar 7, 2009 1:07 PM:
- John Cannon, B.A Arch 1970, KSU "
Arlowene Washburn wrote on Nov 12, 2008 12:51 PM:
Arlowene Washburn, former Receptionist, then Administrative Assistant @ Duffy Ruble Mamura Brygger (and successive company names) "
Kathy Erion Interior Designer with CMBA wrote on Nov 11, 2008 1:06 PM:
He has enriched the lives of so many through graciously sharing of his time and talents. "