We Remember
OSBORNE, Leslie Samuel Gordon
January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970
Leslie Samuel Gordon Osborne, known to all as Gordon L. Osborne, passed away at the age of 76 at home as he had wished on July 9th, 2018 surrounded by his wife and two daughters.
Gord leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Pat; daughters Sherrie Horton (Andy) and Debbie Osborne (Bob Rindfleisch); and his greatest joys: granddaughters Emily and Olivia.
Gord was born and raised in Victoria, B.C. He attended U-Vic where he received his teaching degree. Gord taught for 34 years, spending 29 of those at Rutland Senior Secondary as a counsellor. He always loved his job because every day brought different challenges. Gord was known as ‘Mr. O’ or ‘Oz’ to many at school.
He retired in 1999 and then enjoyed traveling with family, lots of good books, his yard and the company of his friends. He will be remembered for his humour and quick wit.
Gord wanted to thank Dr. S. Baxter, his oncologist, as well as all of the nurses and volunteers at the Cancer Clinic. He also wanted to thank Dr. J. Verhelst and all of the palliative team who cared for him.
At Gord’s request, there will be no funeral. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation PET/CT Scanner program in Kelowna, www.bccancerfoundation.com/PET-CT, or to the charity of your choice.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Mr. Oz was one of my favourite teachers. He taught me Socials in Grade 10 at RSS. I have never forgotten the impressions he made on me or his quirky, thought-provoking teaching method. His lessons in economics were some of the few lessons that stayed with me from high school My condolences to his family on the loss of a truly kind man.
Sincere condolences toGordon’s family on his passing .I remember him as a teaching colleague , who was appreciated my his students . RIP .
I got to know Gord and Pat through our daughters. They had two daughters and we had two. Gord was a good fellow and enjoyed life as it passed through. After we moved away from Bello Rd.I missed Gord and his family. Our kids grew up as kids will and we lost contact But Gordon was a nice man and will be missed by all those who knew him. God Bless Gord
Sorry to dad of Gord’s passing. I have many happy memories of Gordon from work. He will always be remembered fondly by his students and friends. My sincere condolences to the family. Jim Oakes
Gord was fun loving and quick with a smile and a hug. He loved his family so much and welcomed us in to share that. We will be remembering the laser tag playing, bowling, happy Gord.
Our thoughts are with you as you say goodbye to such a special man. Lots of love and hugs to all of you.
Dear Pat/ Debbie/ Sherry my sympathy goes out to you all with Ford’s passing!
We had a history with you all
Sorry did not keep the friendship up!
Hugs Carol
Pat, Sherrie and Debbie, sad to hear of your hubby’s and Dad’s passing. My first impression of your Dad and his coolness was when he introduced us to the CCR when our tribe visited them in their pan-abode house a long time ago. Love Ken
Dear Pat and Girls:
I was so sorry to hear that you lost Gord. We kind of lost touch and I didn’t realize you were still in Kelowna. I will always remember how good you and Gord were as our duplex sharing neighbours in Fruitvale many moons ago. You will have a tough time for awhile, as I did when I lost Ron but friends are wonderful in hard times. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the girls.
Your friend
Wendy Waller
Gord was a respected colleague at Rutland Senior Secondary where I taught for 32 years. I valued his ability to problem solve and his good company at the many social events and fishing trips. Deepest sympathies to Pat and the rest of the family.
So sorry and saddened to hear of Gord’s passing. Many fond memories at Rutland Sr. Secondary. Please know I care and understand the loss of a loved one. My heart goes out to you, Pat, and the family.
With caring thoughts and friendship, Gail Fortney
The best memories of RSS involved the many laughs and good times we shared with Gord. He will be missed but not forgotten by all who had the pleasure of being his friend and colleague. Our hearts are with Pat and the family.
I send my warmest condolences to the Osbourne family. Mr. Osbourne was my counsellor and grade 8 Social Studies Studies teacher. It was 1971 and Rutland High School was so overcrowded it had two ‘shifts’ of students. No matter his workload, Mr. Osborne was a funny, patient, kind, empathetic man who helped me through a very rough year of my life.
I have thought of him often over the years. He made an impact on me and was one of my all-time favourite teachers.
I followed in his footsteps and became a teacher myself, retiring this year after 37 years in the Kelowna district.
Please know Mr. Osborne was an outstanding teacher and exceptional counsellor. He was entertaining and encouraged class discussions, challenging us to have individual thought. He was so ‘cool”!! He was able to connect with his students.
Mr. Osborne made a difference in our lives. He was loved and will always be remembered. God Bless You, Mr. Osborne!