George Osmond
Wesley
From: Cathy Kinsella
To: james...@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 10:47 PM
Subject: George Osmond
We were all saddened to learn that father Osmond passed away this morning.
We have posted an official press release which gives insight to this
wonderful man on the Osmonds 50th website. There is also a guestbook
available, if you would like to leave messages for the family. We are
working on a special tribute which we will post soon.
http://www.osmonds50th.com/announcements.html. The Osmond family appreciates
all of your support during this difficult time.
Father and patriarch of legendary Osmond family passes away at 90
Provo, UT - George Virl Osmond, father and patriarch of one of the world's
most esteemed entertainment families, The Osmonds, passed away peacefully of
natural causes this morning at home in Provo, Utah. He was 90 years old. The
father of nine children, Virl, Tom, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie
and Jimmy, George Osmond was born on October 13, 1917 in Star Valley
Wyoming. He liked to be known as "The Wyoming Cowboy," never forgetting his
western roots. A devout Mormon, Osmond served two missions for the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one in the state of Hawaii and one in the
United Kingdom. Osmond was a also a respected veteran of WWII. He met and
married Olive Davis on December 1, 1944 in Salt Lake City, Utah. As he and
Olive began their life together, George worked in real estate, sold
insurance and worked as a postmaster for the city of Ogden. Little did he
know that from such humble beginnings, what would become one of the world's
most renowned musical families. George Osmond loved to sing, and taught his
children to sing barbershop harmony. It wasn't long before the community and
public took notice of the talented kids and they started performing at
church functions and at local civic events. Managing his talented sons,
George arranged for them to perform at Disneyland in California, where they
caught the eye and were mentored by Walt Disney himself. History was made
when the Osmonds were offered a chance to audition for Andy Williams, an
opportunity which would forever change their lives. Living for his childrens'
success, George gave up his life and work in Utah and he and his wife Olive
soon moved the family to California when it looked as though entertainment
would be the future of their talented family. George believed that family
was the most important element in his life and he loved each of his children
equally. He believed that families are forever eternal and throughout his
life, instilled that faith in each of his children. He loved his only wife
Olive intensely, who passed away in 2004. George Osmond lived his life true
to his faith and true to his family. He was never heard to say a bad word
about anyone and he treated everyone equally and with the utmost respect. He
and his wife Olive founded the Osmond foundation, which would later become
the Children's Miracle Network, the largest charitable organization of its
kind serving children's hospitals worldwide. The Osmonds are of the belief
that this should be a time of celebration instead of grief. George Osmond
leaves nine children - Virl, Tom, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie,
and Jimmy - 55 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren. His legacy will
forever be remembered. If you would like to leave messages to the Osmond
family, please feel free to so in the Osmonds' guestbook
http://users.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g18-04968-7a George V. Osmond:
October 13, 1917 - November 6, 2007