Edwin M. Osborne

I used Ed as a mediator as often as I could. He was smart, diligent, fair, and often settled “impossible” cases. Through it all, we became friends, often sitting and talking after the case settled or the mediation otherwise ended. We have lost a great lawyer and judge, and I will miss him.

I am a lawyer who had the pleasure of appearing before Judge Osborne on several occasions, for trial and other proceedings. His kindness, intellectual curiosity, and demeanor have stayed with me for many years. He was very impressive. In about 1994 he was the trial judge on a wrongful death case I was trying in his courtroom. A settlement offer was made and the decedent's wife had great difficulty agreeing to it. Judge Osborne felt that settlement was the right thing for her for many reasons....

Brilliant man and outstanding mediator. He could settle the unsettle-able. No peer.
I also started to use him simply because he and I got along well. I will miss you, my friend.

It was a pleasure appearing before Judge Osborne when he was on the bench. Always polite, and an exceptional listener. He had the habit letting you speak and then, in fewer words, confirming the point you were trying to make. He came across so serious at times that it would take 5 seconds for it to register that he had said something humorous. A good man. Glad I had the chance to know him.

I remember Judge Osborne from my time at the Ventura Superior Court and found him always approachable and in good humor. He took the time to relate to people on a personal level. When we coded orders from him, his CATS court code was indeed "EMO" He will be missed.

Thank you, D.O.D.D., for the gift of your presence. Your love and light lives on.


-D.