Murray J. Osborn

Message from Carolynn (Sims) Bulger

I met Murray Osborn in 1963 at my first job as a secretary at Rock Island High School. In the three years I worked there we shared many pleasantries about music (If I remember correctly, he did not like rock and roll!) and other things. Murray will always have a special place in my heart as he sang for our wedding 49 years ago. His beautiful voice filled every corner of Central Presbyterian Church, and we received many comments about the wonderful soloist. In 1974 my husband and I moved to Fresno, CA so I lost touch with Murray, but he will always be a part of my wedding memories. With sympathy to his family, Carolynn

Message from Rich and Alice

Dear Ann, Chuck and family
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We have never met your father but from all that we have heard he was an exceptional father, grandfather, teacher and gentleman. May all the wonderful memories from his life sustain you at this time of your grief. You are in our prayers. So very sorry we were not very timely at his passing.

Message from Craig Hall class of 72

A great teacher and leader. Always enjoyed my time in Rocky's choir. A kind spirit.

Message from Connie Peschang Stannard

I'm sorry to hear of his passing. He and my dad were friends and colleagues for so many years.

Message from Rockford, IL

Murray Osborn turned out to be the most important teacher I ever had because I sing every day of my life-- meaning that every day of my life, I have employed a lesson that he taught. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

Message from Jean Kuehl Tuech

The world--particularly the choral world--has lost a delightful soul and wonderful human being. I shall always be thankful that Murray came to Rock Island High School the same year I did and taught me so much about choral singing. His spirit lives on in his educational as well as in his biological family.

Message from Debbie Williams Anderson (Class of 1971)

I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved you're Dad's sense of humor, quick wit, and of course his voice. I will forever be grateful for the musical and character training he provided. I hold dear many memories of him in the classroom and at neighborhood gatherings with the Brooks' family.
May you be comforted in knowing your Dad was much loved and admired. God's peace be with you. Deb

Message from Melany Burrill, Rocky Class of '71

I add my condolences to Deb's. I still fondly tell stories to any who will listen of my years in Rocky's choral program and what I learned from Mr. Osborn. I will always remember his upbeat personality and the sparkle in his eyes. I discovered years later that his musical "games" were actually music theory, he always taught in such a fun and engaging way, Please know that your father touched many more. lies than you may ever know. Warm regards, Melany.

Message from Lucille Perley

Dear, sweet Murray! Anyone who came to know him in any way was blessed. I knew him mostly from his time at Black Hawk College. My sympathy to his family; he has left a large void for you. God bless all of you.

Message from Dr. Susan Perry, Jackie and Kelly

We all send our sympathies to you. We enjoyed knowing your dad through your mother when she so wonderfully worked with us for many years. You had very special people for parents, as I am sure you know.

Message from Rev. Joe Robb

Murray was a great man and choir leader. I was in his first choir at Rocky, and his first Choir President. . My job was to MC our programs as we traveled from school to school to perform. As MC he gave me two jokes to begin the programs with.... fun, but a little corny ... and he loved them. Then one of the school buses broke down on he way to a performance at East Moline High School. So he tells me to entertain t hem for about half an hour until t he other bus could get there. That turned out to be fun. And he would embarrass me sometimes with the jokes he would give me as they would poke a little fun of some of the top students (usually female) in the school to which we were going. Then, after the performance he would introduce me to those students. He would get the biggest kick out of that; and it was fun. He enjoyed what he did and brought us along with his good times. I have great memories of Murray and his gleaming eyes and robust personality. He will always be special in my memories. Thanks for sharing Murray with all of us students.

Message from Terry Brooks Goldstein

In Loving Memory of our dear friend and neighbor. With wonderful memories of a happy childhood and great times spent with our neighborhood families. We will miss you and wish you peace.

A candle was lit by Terry Goldstein, Susie Bicek, Mary Lyons, Scott Brooks on June 11, 2017 6:05 PM

A candle was lit by Liz Wheelan on June 11, 2017 5:50 PM

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Mary, Paul and family, So many wonderful memories with your father during years of Chamber Choir, Singers and musicals at Rocky. Brahms or PDQ Bach... always the best part of my day. I always admired his musical knowledge and felt privileged to be in his choirs. His patience and encouragement were a blessing. I've often thought of him over the years as I've continued to enjoy music. I'm sorry I can't be there to help celebrate his wonderful life but know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Message from Lois Fogde

I always enjoyed whatever musical situations we shared . . . Murray was a great person to work with.
I'm sorry not to share some time with you now, but I'm restricted caring for Myron at home. There are serious health and memory issues.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Lois Fogde

Message from Betty

Ann, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Dad. He was remarkable! I'll never forget him singing for me. I was blessed to know him. I remember he never wanted to say goodbye to me, he always just said "enjoy"
Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. Much love

A candle was lit by Betty A on June 11, 2017 1:15 PM

Message from Mary Blick Wall

So grateful to have reconnected with Mr. O at Friendship Manor. Even attended one of his choir rehearsals last June! Also loved seeing Paul and Anne when visiting my Mom last Sept. Sending loads of love to all the Osborns!! Forever grateful for the influence of your Dad in my life.

Message from Meryl

I am very sorry to read of the loss of, Mr. Osborn. With his accomplishments, and dedications, both in his professional life and personal one, he was an amazing man! I won't pretend to know what you're going through, but what has helped me deal with the loss of those I love is turning to the Scriptures, something that has been a real source of comfort. One Scripture that gives me hope is John 5:28, 29 which says, " Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out ." I hope that this verse will also comfort you and, I hope you and your family can get through this difficult time. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your beloved father, grandpa and friend. Sincerely, Meryl, jw.org - healingwordsforu@gmail.com

Message from Jamie, Mike, & Brody

We are so sorry for the loss of Murray & his amazing spirit! He was such a wonderful man & we are lucky to have gotten to know him & spend time with him! He will be dearly missed. Sending our love to you all!

A candle was lit by Howard and Miriam (Wagner) Hedlund on June 10, 2017 12:33 PM

Message from Cathy Creger Rosenbaum

John, Ann, and Family. We are sorry to learn of Murray's passing. So many loved him. He sang at my mother's funeral at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moline in April, 2014. Teresa Johnson Thompson (Rocky 1970) and I visited him at Friendship Manor about a year ago where my second cousin Julie helped take care of him for a time. He was his usual gentle, cheerful self during that visit. We enjoyed sweet memories from Rocky Glee Club days. He even remembered where we sat in his classroom! Amazing educator. We will forever be blessed and humbled to have known such a great and inspirational music man. May God be with you in this difficult time. Cathy Creger Rosenbaum (Rocky 1971)

A candle was lit by Melinda McAfee on June 10, 2017 11:30 AM

Message from Denise Heinze Newell

I so love Mr. Osborn. His wonderful smile and good nature always prevailed during choral rehearsals with sometimes unruly high schoolers. He was always patient and kind. I also remember his voice announcing calls during Rocky football season. He was one of my early mentors as I began my career as a fellow music educator. He will be well remembered by hundreds. My sincerest sympathy to John, Mary, and Paul and your families.

Message from Jane McBride Olmsted

I was a member of the First Baptist church, Moline choir as was my Dad and Uncle Owen. Murray was a wonderful, kind and fun Choir director. We all missed him greatly when he took a director position at another church. I am so sorry for your loss.

Message from Becky Jenkins

John and Wanda,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Becky

Message from Gwen Blais

Dear Children, I am sorry to read of your father's passing. Ann, I remember the last time i saw him was in the store with you. I was so impressed one time to see your parents and 4 big teens sitting in a row together at some event. A great family unit. God comfort all of you. Sincerely Gwen I will notify Kerry and Bill.

A candle was lit by Alan and Peggy (Bull) Nelson Two grateful students 1966-70 on June 10, 2017 1:52 AM

Message from Tara Breeden

I am so very sorry for your loss. I feel very lucky to have gotten to spend some time and got to know him. I always enjoyed listening to his stories about his life. He loved and cherished his family very much. He always made me smile and laugh. god most definitely gained a angel 😇

Message from David Sebben

My first chorus teacher at Rocky. A wonderful man with a wonderful voice who loved to share his gift. My sympathies to the family.

A candle was lit by Marilyn Pitney DePauw on June 9, 2017 9:34 PM

Message from Lori Skafidas-Boland

I'm sorry for your loss. You father was a gifted educator & a nice man.

Message from Judy Johnson

Ann, so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Such a kind man and a blessing to all he knew and taught those many years.; I loved to hear him sing at Friendship Manor and know he will be a part of the choir in heaven. Enjoyed his sense of humor when he shared his thoughts with me at the Concierge Desk. Peace be with you and your family.

Judy Johnson

A candle was lit by Wanda Osborn on June 9, 2017 6:23 PM

A candle was lit by John Osborn on June 9, 2017 6:19 PM