11/12/2007 - Deseret News: "Osmond goodbye: Family shares memories of father."

Osmonds laugh, cry as they eulogize their father, grandfather, friend
By Tad Walch
Deseret Morning News
Published: Friday, Nov. 9, 2007 3:07 p.m. MST

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PROVO — The Osmond family, for half a century one of America's most famous entertainment families, gathered Friday afternoon to honor their patriarch, George Osmond, recalling him as a man of integrity and hard work whom they cannot recall ever using a swear word.

Returning home from Chicago, where the Osmonds taped the "Oprah Winfrey Show" Thursday to celebrate 50 years in show business, more than 100 family members joined with more than 300 friends for a funeral that included glimpses of their father by all nine of his children.

Marie Osmond, a contestant on the hit television show "Dancing with the Stars," expressed gratitude that her father lived to see her perform Monday night, when she dedicated her dance routine to "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" to her parents and wore her hair they way her deceased mother Olive did.

"I feel that I've lost the most amazing man in my life," she said. "He's dancing in the stars."

Merrill Osmond sang a song he'd written for his father but planned to share with him in Chicago, a trip George Osmond looked forward to but failed to make. Osmond, 90, died Tuesday of natural causes.

George Osmond sang to his children on trips, oldest son Virl said. When his boys began to sing with him, he taught them to harmonize. By the early 1960s, they had landed a five-year contract on the nationally popular "Andy Williams Show."

The Osmond brothers recorded numerous gold records, many of which went platinum. In the mid-70s, the only girl, Marie, joined brother Donny as the eponymous stars of a popular television variety show. The Osmonds continue to be famous worldwide, known as much for being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as for their singing.

Each of the nine children expressed love for their father, often laughing through tears. Each also said they expect to see him again, professing their faith in the LDS teaching that families can be together after this life but clearly saddened by the separation from their father.

"I've tried to laugh to avoid the tears," Marie Osmond said.

Elder Thomas S. Monson of the First Presidency of the LDS Church expressed pride in George and Olive Osmond and their children, 53 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.

"They've been missionaries all over the world," he said, later adding, "This family has set the greatest example of missionary work I've ever known."

Monson also read a letter from the First Presidency that said George Osmond would be remembered as an example for good.

Osmond was buried next to his wife in Provo's Eastlawn Cemetery.

* Osmond's children pay tribute to 'a wonderful man'

PROVO — Four of George Osmond's sons began singing in the 1950s to raise money for hearing aids for their two deaf older brothers.

Fifty years and 51 gold records later, the Osmond Brothers and sister Marie have sold 77 million records. But their father had recently grown increasingly lonely without their mother, Olive, who died three years ago.

"I'm not happy," George Osmond told his son Wayne three times in the past few weeks.

"It just hurt my heart," Wayne said. "All three times, I prayed to Heavenly Father he would make my father happy, and he did. He's back with my mom."

George Osmond was honored Friday during funeral services attended by nearly 500 people. He died Tuesday at age 90 of natural causes.

He had been looking forward to Thursday when he and his nine children, 53 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren were going to appear on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to celebrate 50 years of Osmonds in show business.

The family decided the show must go on in honor of George Osmond. After taping the hourlong program in Chicago on Thursday, the entire family flew back to Utah for the funeral. "Oprah and the Osmonds" aired Friday afternoon, less than an hour after the family left the gravesite of the patriarch of one of America's most famous entertainment families.

Remembrances of George Osmond as given by his children at his funeral on Friday in Provo:

Virl Osmond
• "My mother was nervous about (the boys' career) at first, but she kept on giving him more sons and more harmony."
• "They served one of the longest-running missions in the church."

Tom Osmond
• "He was a wonderful man. I love him. ... He never swore in his life. I'm so proud of him."
• "The day I found out my father died, my heart broke deep inside. ... God bless you, Dad, for all you have done."

Alan Osmond
• "I was so blessed to be his son. ... He was a man of integrity, and he lived the way he said."
• "Even the Osmond fans called him …"Father".
• "I thank my Heavenly Father for my father. ... The family is God's plan for life."

Wayne Osmond
• "My father always wanted to be a pilot. He never could because he sacrificed for us. So when I was 17 I got my pilot's license, and the first person I took up was my father."
• "My father would never say he was proud of us. He had a different way of teaching us. ... One day, we flew from Provo to Ogden and he looked over and winked at me, and I knew my father was proud of me."

Merrill Osmond
• "Get plenty of rest (Father) and take the day off, because mother will have you working."
• From the song he wrote for his father but never got to sing to him: "And you'll tell me, well done, as only a father can sing to his son."

Jay Osmond
• "He was honored by presidents and prophets and even the queen of England."
• "He was a lesson of what can happen when we sacrifice our life for others."

Donny Osmond
• "How do you share an experience in three minutes that explains a wonderful life and a wonderful man who in my opinion didn't have an enemy in the world?"
• "His children loved, honored and revered him. We still do. He was an example to follow for his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren."

Marie Osmond
• "It was really hard to lose my mom, but losing my dad is tough because I'm daddy's little girl."
• "I pray that my daddy knows today how much I love him."

Jimmy Osmond
• "Every night he would count off all the kids and talk to me about them and their problems. He still counts us, and he'll be able to help us even more now."
• "He was so humble. We'd be picked up by a limo and he'd go in the luggage van or in the front seat of the limo and ask the limo driver about his life."

Local Comments:
osmond fan | 3:37 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
When I was young; my parents took our family to see The Osmonds perform at the Marriot Center in Provo. It was really amazing to be there even if we were in the nosebleed section. Then growing up as a family we watched the Donny and Marie show. Then later on Donny and Marie had a talk show I used to watch EVERY DAY!! I guess you could say I am an Osmond fan through and through. I am sad that they lost their father and patriarch to their family; but truly his legacy of love and the joy of performing lives on in all his posterity. What a wonderful family. Thank you for all the GREAT memories.

Mark W Clark | 4:39 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
There are no words that can comfort a family with the passing of their father. Only their faith & TIME will heal the sorrow in their hearts. I lost my father in 1992 & then my mother in 1996 & I still miss them! I know one day when it's my time I'll be reunited with them again. I think a person really never gets over the passing we just learn to live our lifes with it. My heart, my prayers are with the Osmond family.

Cora | 4:58 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
I never had the opportunity to see The Osmonds perform in person but I have always been a fan. I am so very sorry for their loss. Losing a loved one is very hard, I know, I lost my Mother last year and am still having a hard time with the loss. I will keep the entire Osmond family in my prayers. Thank you to the Osmond family for the wonderful gift of entertainment you have given to us all.
Comments continue below

AZ Regards | 5:09 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
I have a high respect for the Osmonds. A class family with many of the same problems and issues as we all have on only shared with the world. The Osmonds got me into more doors on my mission in 1977-1979 than anyone else. Thanks for staying the course. I could not do it. To the whole Osmond family my regards and condolences. Thank you for your courage to make a difference.

Paulene Angela | 5:09 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
I have been thinking of the family the whole day. I am based in Spain but orginally from the UK and the Osmond Family have been in my heart for the last 30 years. God Bless you all and keep that light shining you bring so much joy and love to countless people we are all with you. xxx

Denisexx | 5:22 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
The Osmonds have been in my Life Always. My Mum sat me down with her to Watch Andy Williams and The Osmonds appeared. I have followed them since and feel like they are my family too. I met Father Osmond on a few occasions in the latter years and I felt that he spoke to me as one of his own.
I know that he will be happy to be with Olive again and that they can both look on together now at the family that they have produced. They will always be remembered in our hearts.

carol | 5:53 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
I have been seeing you in my dreams and praying for you. I have lost almost everyone in my family. My mother died in 2001 of heart disease. My father died in 2003 of lung cancer, and my husband died in 2004 of suicide. I am still unable to deal with that. We were all a very loving family. I praise God though that I have my son who is a fire fighter and studing to be an auto mechanic, and for my three sisters who are with me through thick and thin. I am poor, but I am blessed. Thank you for your inspiration

Jamie | 6:40 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of the osmonds great patriarch. He was a great man and he raised an amazing family. My heart goes out to them as work this trying time.

Carol D. | 6:44 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
I have followed the Osmond Family since the 70's. They are truly inspirational. If only we can all have a little bit of "Osmond" inside of us, this truly would be a better world. God Bless the entire Osmond Family, you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous | 7:22 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
to lose a parent is extremely hard and trying; to become an orphan in devasting...however a man i was fortunate enough to become a friend of mine once said "you are never truly an adult until both of your parents are gone; i pray i am a gray-haired great grand-father before that happens" that friend was John F Kennedy, Jr. My daddy died almost 2 years ago; it was and is still one of the most difficult and wonderful moments in my life. Daddy's are here to lead, guide and show us the way.They are there to praise and give constructive criticism, teach us respect, dignity and honor; and first and foremost tell us they love us and give us a big hug when we need it. While my family is not nearly as large; the love, respect and dignity this family has chosen is in the utmost respect of the word "family" and I am honored to have witnessed parts of it.
As I have been, you are all truly belssed to have a family that believes in this and while words cannot express or relieve the pain you are feeling, the love you have will heal. God Bless.

Utah County Fan | 10:04 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
Well this has come circle for me , to see you at the beginning of your career , to the Oprah show
and now the mantle has been passed to next generation of Osmond's following the death of your Father . In a world full of fear and sorrow your family shines forth as a beacon of light , hope and faith. Honoring your parents legacy will be easy because of how you have been taught . Plan a reunion now every year on the Anniversary of your parents , the world needs more Osmond's .. God Speed and God be with you till you meet with them again..

Tina P. Jones | 10:22 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
I have had the priviledge of thanking George and Olive Osmond in person for their rightous examples of faith and hard work. I am an "Osmond convert" and proudly share that with all who ask how I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
As a young girl my walls were plastered with the Osmonds faces. At age 13 I joined the church with my father.
Now as a wife and mother of four I rejoice in the rightous choices my children are making with their lives. The Osmonds examples changed the course of my life forever. I once showed up at the Osmond home with an invitation for Jay to attend a BYU preference dance with me. Father Osmond graciously accepted the invitation from me and said the boys were on tour in Asia. He then said, "if I weren't married, I would go with you." What a kind, good man.
I ache for you but rejoice with you in the knowledge that you have of forever families.
Time is but a moment, eternity is forever.

Big fan | 10:35 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
Your family is an inspiration to so many. Your loss is so hard I am sure but with the faith that you have you will be with your parents forever. You all have a great and wonderful spirit about you that watching you on Oprah today was an inspiration to me. Thanks and may the Lord's blessings be with you during this time and always.

From Sweden | 11:10 p.m. Nov. 9, 2007
Many fine members came in contact with the church due to the Osmonds, who are great missionaries. Their music isnt bad either

Guitarist | 12:54 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007
I am a rocker. I am influenced by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Creed, so many others.The Osmonds’ 8-bar intro into the song “Love Me,” with Donny singing lead, is a great exhibition of heavy guitars. Heavy, smokin' melodic guitar distortion, I love it. Bought the tune on a 45 rpm vinyl that I still own. Those eight bars have made a significant musical contribution to my understanding of rock music. Everybody needs to hear the call...some hear it in the song of the birds, some hear it in the foghorn, and some hear it in rock music. The Osmonds have helped me there.
George Harrison once said something along the lines of, “The search for most things can wait, but the search for God cannot wait.” The Osmonds, under George's and Olive's leadership, appear to have understood this also. Rest in peace, George Osmond, influential man.

John B Sheffield | 4:02 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007
Warm Memories can never be taken away and All the Osmond Family will have them of Father George Osmond now re-united with Mother Olive Osmond.
Tears flow at loss, I know well with my Dear Mum and Dad, but they are often tears of Joy for the Reward they have no received.
You are all in my Prayers, I grew up with you and you have given me great joy, inspiration and strength. John

Donna Trapp Merrill | 5:12 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007
The saddest part of loosing someone close is that you can't see them daily, hear their words of wisdom in person, see their smiling face, hug them and feel that love from that hug. But as the Osmonds know and believe that as hard as it is to not have those wonderful things they will be reunited as a eternal family after this life. What a blessing to know and have that gift from our Heavenly Father. This family has wowed people with their talent and strengthened people with their love of the gospel. By their example they have made people stand a little stronger on their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Hats off to you as a family "Osmond Family". May the lord keep you happy and healthy always to fullfill his purpose for each of you.

Just A Fan | 6:19 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007
I have come full circle as an Osmond fan. As a child and teenager, idolizing the entire Osmond family, to more recent day, and getting to know them better as individuals because their access to their fans is undeniable. The last time I saw Mr. Osmond, I had the honor of sitting with him, Merrill and Virl. He sat and listened to our conversation, ate his pie (he loved his sweets!) and then sang some old memorable songs with Merrill. This man who did so much for his sons and daughter was now being cared for and nurtured by them. There is no doubt in my mind that the love they had for their Dad was overflowing in their hearts. We "gals" as he called us will always remember this special time shared with such a special man. He gave so much throughout his life for his family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Mr. Osmond. I'm sure you were greeted in heaven with the words "Good Job my faithful servant!" Love to all the Osmonds.

Ursula (UK) | 7:08 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007
i also respect and inspiration, also influenced by both Olive and George Osmond. your mom and dad have given your life, love and career, i'm sooooooooooo grateful to your both mom and dad for bring THE OSMONDS to our world and make us feel love. Thank you Olive and George Osmond for every thing and to the osmonds, virl, tom, alan, wayne, merrill, jay, donny, marie and little jimmy osmond please carry on the good work and you you all in may 2008 and i can't wait. Ursula May Kavanagh (UK)

Frederick of Logan | 9:03 a.m. Nov. 10, 2007
When my wife and I were missionaries in Mova Scotia, we drove all the way to Palmyra to see the pageant because Donny Osmond was there performing. That was in 1997. They had one of the largest turnouts in years just because D.O. was there. After each performace and before, many of us had the chance to see Donny face to face and shake his hand.I am old enough to remember when the Osmond family joined the Andy Williams show. I have followed the family throughout their career. God bless them at this particular time. Loved the Oprah show. We shed a few tears. Our prayers are with you.

a branson friend | 2:50 p.m. Nov. 10, 2007
George Osmond was an amazing man. I count it a privlege to have been able to spend a few brief moments with him from time to time. His children loved and respected him, and I know they are missing him terribly. George continued throughout his life to be a great Missionary for The Church, and it was his and his family's influence, in part, which led me to The Gospel. I had the opportunity to thank Mr. Osmond for this, and for having shared his amazing family with all of his. Father Osmond, you are loved, and missed. Your life will continue to be an inspiration. And to the Osmond family, you continue to be in my thoughts, my heart, and my prayers. Thank you for sharing your Sweet Father with the rest of us! "May God bless you and keep you in His tender care".