Derward H. Osborne, 98, a lifelong Sedro-Woolley resident and dearly loved father, grandfather & great-grandfather, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2014 in Sedro-Woolley.
He was born on March 15, 1916 in Sedro-Woolley, WA to William & Waneta (Dryer) Osborne. When he was six, his mother passed away, leaving his sister, Helen, then age 10 to become mother to Derward, Cecil & Juanita, cementing the bond he had with Helen through the years. He was raised on the family farm on F & S Grade Road and he attended the McRae School thru the eighth grade.
In 1941 he was united in marriage to Betty A. Doran and they made their home in Sedro-Woolley.
Derward worked as a farm hand, the forest service, and Bendix Corporation ( formerly Skagit Steel) until his retirement in 1978.
After retiring he and Betty spent several years traveling the U.S., and then settled down to work for the reopening of United General Hospital through the Concerned Citizens of Sedro-Woolley.
Betty was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus in 2004 requiring her to move into a nursing care facility, yet Derward faithfully brought Betty home every day during her last years and they shared many laughs and surprises together, exhibiting a wonderful love and concern for each other. Betty passed away in 2007.
Living alone did not suit him, so consequently he moved into the Creekside Retirement Center in Burlington to live near his sister, Helen Pocock, and they spent the last few years looking out for each other and certainly enjoyed a unique opportunity of living near and being involved with each others lives for over 90 years. They set a fine example of family love and endurance for all their offspring. Helen passed away this past spring at the age of 101 years.
Derward is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Wayne & Tokiko Osborne of Auburn, WA; his daughter and son-in-law, Gail & Tom Williams of Thompson Falls, MT: five grandchildren, Tadashi Osborne (Donelle) of Spokane, WA, Gail Wilson (Rodney) of Lake Tapps, WA, Cindy Osborne of West Seattle, Samuel Williams (Amanda) of Great Falls, MT and Benjamin Williams (Mary) of Kalispell, MT, and nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Cecil Mark Osborne of Texarkana, TX and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Harry, Frank, Chet, Lawrence, Verner, Hattie, Charles, Juanita and Helen. He will be missed by his family and care givers.
At his request there will be no services. Private inurnment will be at Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the SWHS Alumni Association, PO Box 509, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.
The Osborne’s were my next door neighbors growing up on the hill on Cully Rd.
I have not seen them since 2006 because I moved away for college when I was 18, but when I was growing up I often spent time at their house.
As a child, I remember playing in the fields and forest on their enormous plot of land. When I was about 5 years old, Betty began teaching me to play piano and read music, but at the time I was too scared to go alone all the way to their house every day to practice.
Derward and Betty were always very kind to my brother and I, making us lunch or dinner every time we visited, and often sending us back home with berries or pie. We occasionally helped them pick corn and berries on their farm.
They were good people.
Dear Gail & Wayne +families
I read Rita’s message and I agree, the two of you did have the best all around parents. They both had great senses of humor. The summer I lived with your folks, while I worked at NSH, was great fun. Between the two of them I was always laughing.
I think your Dad could build any thing., all those spindles on the stairs, bowls and the “door” garden room. I took my son, Johnny, to visit one time and he was fascinated by the bowls (which he makes now). While I was with your folks, Mac had a heart attack. While he was in Mt. Vernon Hospital, he wanted apple pie, your Mom sent a piece. Mac said it was the best he had ever had (we didn’t tell Mom).
I keep them in my memories about how a couple should live & love together. Blessings to you both, Andra
I am so sorry, Wayne. When we spoke at the Alumni picnic I thought for sure you would call in time for me to see your Dad at least one more time.
I have such good memories of his humor and kindness toward me and Andra, too. You and Gail had the best parents of all of us who ran together!
What a great long life full of projects with his hands—I think he could build anything out of wood. I’ll never forget him trying to be stern when Gail and I would giggle too much and then that big grin of his would show itself. Wonderful man you and all of us were blessed to have in our lives.
Take care both of you. Rita