Dad's Memorial

Our words through Cindy (our Sister's daughter)
at Dad's memorial service, November 26th, 1999

The daughter and sons of David Charles Osborne would like to thank you for coming to celebrate our Dad's life today. Our thanks go to Dad's brothers and sisters who have supported him and us with their love, caring and prayers. Uncles Colin, Edward and Jimmy; Aunts Margaret, Grace and Edna and our huge extended family. On behalf of David, Dan and Mark, a special thanks go to our sister Lyn and brother Chris for their unselfish care and devotion to Dad and Wendy during those difficult days. Like Dad said in his final hours, "Thank you, thank you, thank you".

As most of you know, Dad was in construction for most of his adult life. He attained the pinnacle of his career as superintendent and project manager on multi-million dollar jobs. He thanked God continually for giving him the wisdom to make the right decisions, no challenge was too great for him. During one of his hospital stays, about 6 months ago. Dad was visited, by Pastor Brian, after a short prayer and an inspirational message about the glories of Heaven, Dad looked up from his bed and with anticipation, asked, "Brian, is there any work in heaven?" Brian looked at David Jr. with a loss for words, this doesn't happen too often with a preacher. David Jr. just smiled and knew that to Dad his work was heaven. He knew that the roads will be paved with gold, maybe God could use an extra mine building to concentrate that ore, or maybe work again with his father, Charles Dean and brother John, to build a bridge.

Thanks Brian and the members of this church for your prayers and support.

During the last night of Dad's life with us, his son David, daughter-in-law Frances and granddaughters Cindy, Jacqui and Laura Lyn shared an experience we will never forget. We would like to share a part of that time with you. Dad knew he was near Heaven's door. He told us how amazing it will be to see Jesus, his Mother and Father, his brother John and sisters, Olive, Ruth and Minnie. He was so excited he just couldn't talk anymore. We just sat there holding his hands and feeling his love. He said, "Talk to me David!" I reminded him of the time, when we were young, he would take us fishing in Horseshoe Bay and we would always end up at Troll's for fish and chips. "Remember the time. Dad, that Danny caught that little eel which just sucked onto his bait?" Dad nodded. Dan lost it under the floor boards of the boat. When he retrieved it the eel had died. Danny looked at the poor little thing and cried, "It was just a baby, too". Dan took it home and buried it in the back yard. Dad was smiling with his eyes closed. We talked about our camping trips and recalled their funny moments.

Dad needed to be shifted in his bed frequently to relieve his discomfort. One time he asked to be moved up, then down, then up again, then to the side. Then he looked at us and chuckled, "I'm a funny beggar, aren't I?" We all just had to laugh. Dad was having gas pains in his stomach. We called the nurse who was just coming on shift. She gave Dad some Diovol without the use of a straw. Some spilled and ran down his chin, soiling his gown. The young nurse apologized as she was changing Dad's gown. "Well I need some more, you spilled half of it." The young nurse, trying to redeem herself said, "It was only a little bit that spilled". Dad continued to demand more Diovol. The nurse was quite persistent that only a little bit had spilled. Dad barked, "It's that little bit you need to make it work". She smiled at us and said she would get some more. Dad fell asleep.

Around 4 o'clock in the early morning, Dad opened his eyes and said, "I haven't seen much of Heaven, yet". David responded, "You've got to just let go and let God take you".

When Dad woke up in the morning, he looked at David and asked, "How are the other guys?" " What other guys, Dad?" " The guys in the room." "You're in a private room, Dad." "I know that, the guys in the other room." "They are probably sleeping." "Go check on them." "They are fine, Dad." Then Dad firmly said, "Have you checked on them, yet?" David left the room, went down the hall to Dad's previous room, he poked his head in and checked on Dad's old room mates. The room was dark in the early morning hours, but he could see the guys were sleeping. He backed out of the room to find Dad's young nurse looking at him with uncertainty. David explained, "Oh! Dad wanted me to check on the other guys". She smiled and realized that with all the pain and discomfort he was feeling, he was still thinking of the other guy. Dad always put the other guy before himself.

Moments before Dad slipped away, Wendy asked Cindy to read his favorite passage from the Bible, Mark 10:17-31. When the passage was completed, he peacefully let the Lord take him. For everyone in the room, at the time, it was a perfect ending to a wonderful life.

The day Dad went to be with his Lord was the day his beloved wife, Wendy, was discharged from the hospital. He knew she was by his side rubbing his hand, he was at peace being aware she will be left in capable hands. His daughter and sons will look after the woman that brought him so much love and comfort until the Lord called him home. Thanks, Wendy, for looking after our father, we'll be here for you until you join him again. For our father truly art in Heaven.




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Hi, I'm Dave Osborne. With over 50 years experience as a journeyman carpenter, foreman and contractor in heavy construction I enjoyed working with apprentices and sharing the tricks of the trade that others shared with me. Now I get emails from Members all over the world and we include many of my answers in our Free Monthly Newsletters. Some of my answers include drawings and instructions specific to a project, but may also answer your questions. I use correct construction terminology, so you can confidently inform your building supply dealers or contractors exactly what you need.

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