William Leroy Osborn
It is with broken hearts that we must share the passing of William “Bill” Leroy Osborn. In the early hours of Friday, October 4, 2013, at the age of 83 years young, Bill had a massive heart attack and his spirit was let free to soar! He is predeceased by his mother, Dorothy “Dolly” Hackett (Johnny Hackett), his father, Lester Osborn, a brother, Sonny Osborn and sister, Doris Mobely. He leaves behind his wife, Margaret “Marge” Osborn, his daughter, Lorelle Zorrilla (Claudio Zorrilla), his granddaughters, Carina Zorrilla (Todd Halford), Breanna Zorrilla (Alan Morgan), and grandson in-law Claude-Yve Zorrilla (Diana and great daughter Emmely Zorrilla) and a brother, Forrest Osborn (Elaine Osborn). Bill is also survived by numerous endured extended family members.
Bill was born in Edson, Alberta on February 10, 1930. He was the oldest of 4 children. He has always been a wonderful storyteller. This is a talent that he has generously shared with so many people over the years. Bill often told of how he walked two and a half miles across country to attend the Pine Grove School on the North Road. His early career days had him trapping at a very young age. For many years he worked in logging camps and eventually ran a saw mill of his own. On July 2, 1957 he married Marge Coates in Camrose, Alberta. In his late twenties he began working for the Highways Department of the Alberta Government. In time he became the General Foreman and continued his career with Alberta Transportation until his retirement in 1986. Most of you will remember him from the many activities he did outside of his work. Marge and Bill were avid curlers and square dancers for many years. Bill supported many community events over the years. A commitment that was very important was his membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge since the age of 20 years old. Bill was honored to become the Grand Master of Alberta in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge in 1995-6. His work with the order was greatly respected. In his retirement Bill enjoyed his family and friends. His welcoming nature and enduring words have touched the hearts of all of us. Bill’s family farm just out the Grand Prairie Trail was where he spent many good times. The love of his life was Marge and no matter where his trails took him, Marge was always by his side. Many times over the years his family has heard Bill say, “I have not lived all my life in Edson yet”. Now we can say “He lived all his life and Edson” and sadly it is done.
Please join the family in a “Celebration of Life” at the Edson United Church on Friday, October 11th, 2013 at 11: 00 AM.
There will be a light lunch served at the church following the service. The family will attend the interment of his ashes at the Glenwood Cemetery later in the afternoon. In lieu of other tributes, the family suggests donations if desired be directed to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, 10986 – 124 Street, Edmonton, Alberta – T5M 0H9 in memory of Bill Osborn.
To send condolences on line, please visit our website at www.edsonfuneralhome.com
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