"Owen was among the most professional journalists this country has produced," Sanef said in a statement.

"He was also an eccentric man who did not shy from controversy."

Owen, 80, was also a former Business Day editor.

According to the Rand Daily Mail website Owen gave a speech at his 80th birthday in February after discovering he had cancer.

In a copy of the speech on www.rdm.co.za, Owen concluded with: "I am so grateful to you all, my friends, for coming here tonight for what is probably my last gathering, and while it is a joy to see you, I must say to you that I relinquish life easily, and I hope gracefully. It is time to go."

Sanef said many would miss Owen's letters to the editor, invariably signed "outraged Granger Bay resident" where he would take on anyone and everyone about issues which bothered him.

Jim Jones, who succeeded him at Business Day said: "You either loved or hated Ken, but whatever category you fell in you just couldn't ignore Ken."

Sanef sent its condolences to Owen's family and friends.