National Review did name him "Nation's Best Governor." This was in 2002, which was ages ago in dog and politician years.
Owens left the Colorado GOP a mess. He lost the legislature to the Dems on his watch and he withdrew his support for an experienced pol in favor of moneybags Pete Coors in a senate race. He's now divorced, too, after persistent rumors he has a lovechild somewhere.
Too bad I guess we can keep looking.