Carson G. Van Osten

1945 - 2015

September 24, 1945 - November 22, 2015 Carson Van Osten passed away on Dec. 22nd, at home in Thousand Oaks, after a brief illness. Carson was born in Philadelphia to Helen and Philip Van Osten. He attended The Philadelphia University of The Arts. He was a member of the band Woody's Truck Stop and a co-founding member of the rock band The Nazz. In 1970 he decided to come to California and draw for a living. He worked in TV and film animation, as well as drawing comics for The Walt Disney Company. He went on to become Vice President for Creative Resources for Consumer Products.He trained many artists, and was respected as a fine teacher and mentor to artists world wide. In 1994 he went to live and work for Disney as VP of Creative Resources in Paris, France. Carson was an avid painter of miniature historical figures and was a member of two clubs, LAMS and SCAMS, and he won prizes internationally and in the US for his painting skills. In August he won the prestigious Disney Legends Award for his contributions to the Disney Company. This was the pinnacle of his career, and in all, he continued working for Disney for 45 years. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jerilyn, his son, Otis Van Osten, his daughter, Leland Bourdages, his grandsons Miles and Stuart Bourdages, his grand daughter Eliana Van Osten; and his sister Lois Stilwell, and many family members. There will be a Celebration of Life at his home on Saturday, April 2nd.