Donald Osborne

Donald E. Osborne, 75, died on Jan. 2 in Sebastopol. He was born
in Ukiah to Delbert Clifton Osborne and Eddith Gray Osborne. He was
preceded in death by his companion, Lois Bender, in 2001. He is
survived by his daughters Linda S. Osborne of Santa Rosa, Nancy E.
Lorenz, her husband David and daughter Amelia of Sebastopol, son
Donald Glen Osborne, his wife Shannon and their children Nathan and
Morgan of Sebastopol, and his brother Richard Dean Osborne of
Cloverdale. Don grew up in Covelo and San Anselmo, and graduated
from Tamalpais High in 1946. He became a pilot, and enjoyed flying
the Piper Cub he owned with his Dad. In 1950 he married Norma Anne
Luce. He served with the U.S. Army in Korea in 1951-’52, where he
was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. He studied horticulture at
UC Davis and farmed walnuts and pears in Lakeport. A long-time
employee of Sohner Tree Service, he became an independent tree care
service operator. Don also was a certified arborist and a member of
the International Society of Arboriculture. He was an avid ham
radio operator who earned his Amateur Extra Class FCC license, call
sign W6OO, “Old Overalls.”
In 2000, Don earned the award “Amateur Radio Operator of the
Year.” He volunteered his time to help others in the hobby by
teaching classes and administering amateur radio license
examinations. He loved RV traveling and was a member of the Good
Sam RV Club. He enjoyed Covelo, Mendocino National Forest, and
always had a passion for exploring, particularly the Pacific
Northwest and the coastline. Friends and Family are invited to
attend a gathering to celebrate Don’s life on Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. at
his daughter Nancy’s home at 8574 Sonoma Ave., Sebastopol.
Donations in Don’s memory can be made to American Cancer
Society.