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Thomas Osborn Obituary

Tom Osborn lived life large. A loving husband and father, he brought out the best in others and the world around him. Tom passed away on February 3, 2010 due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis. He worked as a management consultant, collaborating with leaders to improve organizational effectiveness. A dynamic speaker and facilitator, he inspired others to lead teams effectively and make positive change happen. Tom was an active member of the NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Sciences and a pioneer in Appreciative Inquiry, a strength-based change process. His talent for bringing out the best in others took him throughout North America, Europe, India and Africa. Tom and his family lived in Capital Hill. Active in the community, he enjoyed skiing at Mary Jane, cooking and entertaining. During the war in Vietnam, Tom served in the Army's 4th Infantry Division, attached to a Green Beret "B" team and lived among the indigenous people. There, he gained appreciation for diverse cultures and received a bronze star. Tom grew up in Glenwood, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa and was a proud Hawkeye. Tom later earned a graduate degree in organization development from American University in Washington, DC. Tom will be remembered best for the relationships he fostered and positive difference he made in the lives of others. He is survived by his wife Rita, son Tom, daughter Nicole and friends around the world. Memorial service, 10am on Monday, February 8, St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, 1350 Washington St, Denver. Memorials may be made in Tom's name to National Jewish Health, PO Box 17169, Denver, CO 80217-0169 or at NationalJewish.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Denver Post on Feb. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Karen James

June 11, 2010

I'm so sorry to learn of Tom's death. I knew Tom through Jane and Ralph, NTL and AUNTL. I've been away from the community and just saw the news tonight. Please accept my condolences. His kindness and smile are so clear in my memory. I'm very surprised and sad for your loss. I'm greatful to have known him. You are all in my thougts and prayers.

February 9, 2010

Rita, Tom, and Nicole,
Tom and I send you our heartfelt sympathy. We remember the good days with you all at St. Andrews; Tom's leadership was second to none. We'll remember you in our prayers. God Bless. Cathy and Tom Temple

Nancy Kinney

February 9, 2010

Rita -
We were shocked to learn of Tom's death from our mutual friend, George Wayne Smith. Please be assured of our prayers and condolences for you and your family during this difficult time. We will remember Tom from our work in the Diocese of Colorado as an energetic and creative individual.
Robert Franken & Nancy Kinney

Nancy Kinney

February 9, 2010

Rita -
We were shocked to learn of Tom's death from our mutual friend, George Wayne Smith. Please be assured of our prayers and condolences for you and your family during this difficult time. We will remember Tom from the time we worked with him in the Diocese of Colorado as an energetic and creative individual.
Robert Franken & Nancy Kinney

Ron & Kathie Danielson

February 8, 2010

Rita, Tom, & Nicole - This was such difficult news to hear. The Osborn family made their mark at St. Andrew's, and we still reminisce about spending New Year's Eve together, a cramped car ride to Carroll, IA for Pam's ordination, and many good times. Tom was a great leader and lover of life. You surely have wonderful memories as we do. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Ron & Kathie Danielson

Sandi Gaboriau

February 8, 2010

Rita, Tom, and Nicole, I pray you always remember the good times with Tom and not his illness. Always be there for each other, the memories from all the years together will always be a treasure for you.

Terri Entjer

February 8, 2010

Rita, I am so sorry to hear about your husband's passing. I hope it comforts you some to know that many people are sending you lots of love and warm thoughts. Take care.

February 8, 2010

Rita, Tom and Nicole,

We are sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories bring you comfort.
Butch, Paula and Jordan Hamilton

February 8, 2010

Rita, Tom and Nicole,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you reflect on your lives with such a wonderful husband and father. Tom was a good friend that I didn't see enough when I traveled to Denver. Yes, he did live life large. I was always surprised by his travels and many great expereinces.

I will miss him.

Larry Stelter

February 7, 2010

Rita and Family:

I was shocked to hear about Tom's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Teresa Roger

February 7, 2010

Rita, Tom & Nicole,

We are devastated by the news of Tom's passing.

He was so many things to our family - first and foremost a close friend, then godfather of our daughter, a mentor, and a tremendous leader! We have so many amazing memories of our times together. What an awesome family you are!

It is too familiar in today's world to lose track of those who mean so much, but thankfully they are ever present in our hearts. We will all miss him greatly.

We hold you in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Rick, Jean, Erin & Kristin (Marie) Howe

Dick Lincoln

February 7, 2010

Dear Rita, Nicole and Tom:

My Deepest Sympathies to you each one of you in the loss of your husband and father. Tom was a boyhood and lifelong friend of mine. Even our mothers were close teenage friends in the 1930s. Regretfully our lives separated us from maintaining a closer relationship, but I always considered Tom, my close friend. One I always felt comfortable and unashamed in talking to about any subject.

I know it is a terrible shock to think of going on in life without your mate or father. Having lost my wife of 33 years at her age of 51, I know the sense of loss and feel for you and I have been praying for each of you to find strength to take God's gift of life one day at a time. Death is a part of Life and know that no one will ever take away your fond memories or Love for him. Nor will his Love for you cease. Tom was a positive thinker eager to face tomorrow and after your time of grief, he will want you to see the beautiful things God gives us in this mortal life.

I will be sending a memorial for you to use as you choose. Tom remains my friend and so do each of you.

God Bless You and Give You Strength and Peace!

"Dick" Lincoln

Nancy Acosta

February 7, 2010

Rita, Tom, and Nicole,

I'm very sorry for your loss. It's been a long time since our paths have crossed. Your names still come up when folks at St. Andrew's talk about the families that helped build our community. Just yesterday I was visiting with Jean Howe and Tom's name came up as one of the outstanding leaders of the parish. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,
Nancy Albertsen Acosta

Julie Noolan

February 7, 2010

Tom was a friend and a colleague. His infectious enthusiasm for making the world a better place will be sorely lost. His NTL colleagues and all those he touched in his work will carry his spirit forward, but we will miss him dearly.

Erin Cronier

February 7, 2010

Rita, Tom, and Nicole

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find strength and peace.

Love Cronier's
Mike,Erin, Juliana and Isabella

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