George S. Osborne

Dear Joan, Brian & Tonya,

I apologize for taking so long to write expressing our sorrow over the loss of your best friend and dad…I was shocked when I heard the news…and felt hopelessly short of proper words..so much life…so little time.

Oak Park was never the same after you left…I can think only of the good times I had with you and George and the wonderful influence he was in my own life….be it cleaning up after floods (yeah, I remember that) to providing water for the runners each year as they came by your house to taking Julie and Tonya to camp one summer…(That is a story in my life that I will never forget). He was and remains such a loveable person and an inspiration for your grandchilderen…he leaves a wonderful legacy and tho we haven’t seen you in such a long time, our friendship with you shall never be forgotten….Our Love and Prayers…..Nancy & Paul Schlacks (Covert, MI)

Joan and Family,

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during these times.

I had an opportunity to talk with George on numerous occasions. I came to really respect George during one of our many conversations about airplanes and aviation in general. One Sunday I was requesting the conference room at Brandywine Airport for a BPA meeting. George approached me and asked, “What is BPA?” I explained, BPA is a national organization and stands for “Black Pilots of America.” I began to tell George who we were and what we did. During the conversation I notice a perplexed look on George’s face. A week later George approached me and said, “Mel, I never saw you as a Black pilot. I always saw you as a pilot. But, you’re right, you are a Black pilot and there aren’t many of you. As a matter of fact, you’re the only one with an airplane here at Brandywine. I still see you as a pilot.”

Everyone can learn from his philosophy of seeing all people as just people. The world and Brandywine Airport will miss a wonderful person.

Mel Brown

Joan, Brian, Tonya,

We are so sorry about your loss. We have fond memories of George as a vibrant, generous, and inspiring man. The world is a better place as a result of his life.

Joan,

You are in our thoughts during this most heartbreaking and difficult time. George's passing came as a shock to all at Lake Elora and he will be missed. If there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to ask.

With love, from your friends and neighbors

Dear Joan and Family,

Your loss is felt by all who have come to know George, whether elsewhere, or here, in Minnesota. Truly, your loss is our loss. George was such a vibrant force in all that he did -- even relaxing at Lake Elora, whether in the paddle boat, his runabout, or simply waving to his many friends passing by. The entire Erickson family has you in our thoughts and prayers as you remember, and we honor, such a thoughtful and brilliant man.