Bill "Oz" Osburn

The life of Bill G. Oz Osburn added much to those who were blessed to have known him. A big hearted man with a wonderful sense of humor and charismatic demeanor, he will be remembered for the twinkle in his eye, and his infamous wink. A man who considered Montague, Michigan Gods Country, Bill took appreciation for all the area had to offer. A dedicated and loving provider, his most treasured gift was being surrounded by family, and the memories of precious times spent together will be forever etched in their hearts. The year 1928 was filled with many beginnings in American history. The discovery of Penicillin was a medical breakthrough, and lovable Mickey Mouse appeared in Steamboat Willie, the first Mickey Mouse cartoon released. Just before hard economic times hit the U.S., the days would eventually lead to the Great Depression. In a town bordering the waters of White Lake, James Edward and E. Marie (Sears) Osburn of Montague, Michigan were experiencing beginnings of their own that year when they welcomed the birth of their son Bill on December 14, 1928. The youngest, Bill grew up alongside siblings, Elsie and Clarence. His brother, Louis, died in infancy prior to Bills birth. Bills father supported his family owning a grocery store while his mother worked various retail establishments throughout town and neighboring cities. As a youngster, Bill experienced the thrills of a typical childhood, and adventures, too, including the time he rode his red wagon down the hill through town, only to be chased by Chow dogs. It didnt take long for Bill to ditch his wagon, only for his Dad to fetch later. During the years of the Depression, life found its share of difficulties. Bill would often go off to the show, and earned his own way. He was quite clever in finding ways to pursue money making endeavors. Throughout his educational years, Bill attended many schools as the family moved frequently. At the age of 16, Bill, or Oz as he was called, set out for his first real job working at Muskegon Piston Ring. His earnings helped his family with expenses, and also helped support his mother after his father died when Bill was 20. After several years, in addition to his work at the factory, Bill joined the Army with the Michigan National Guard. Based out of Grayling, Michigan, Headquarters Co., he served from 1948 to 1953 with the 2nd Battalion, 126th Infantry. But it was while working at Muskegon Piston Ring that Bills attention was drawn in the direction of scattering piston rings. It was then that he met one of his co-workers by the name of Betty Jane Scott. Betty caught Bills eye, and the two soon began dating. On a day that would eventually span 58 years, they began their life together as husband and wife on July 15, 1950 in Muskegon. Before long, Bill and Betty were blessed with a bustling household with the births of Marjorie, Mary, Bonnie, Patsy, Michael, Steven, and Susan. A wonderful family man, Betty and the children meant everything to Bill. He was a hard worker, dedicated in providing stability and security for them. His great sense of humor and charismatic ways made times with him so enjoyable. Quite the handyman, Bill built their first home on Evanston Avenue. Later he had a woodworking shop in the basement, where Bill and the kids made many great projects together, among other things, such as clocks and a roll-top desk. He and the family spent enjoyable moments together too while fishing, launching rockets and kite flying. As a family, Bill and Betty gave their children opportunity for travel and adventure. Having traveled all over the country, they visited every state with the exception of Maine, mostly camping along the way. Over the years, they graduated from a tent to a pop-up camper, and then a trailer. Later, they went back to a pop-up, eventually returning to the basics of tent camping. Wonderful memories were enjoyed on a fun filled vacation to Walt Disney World, and memorable times were spent at other amusement parks too, as well as museums and attractions the cities they visited had to offer. The entire family even went to see the Chicago Bears at training camp one year. Other notable places they visited included NASA, Rozwell, New Mexico, the Carlsbad Caverns, and the Redwoods in California. On one particular excursion, the family filled the whole tour bus to capacity when they toured movie stars homes in Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Over the years, Bill pursued his love of photography. He worked as a freelance photographer for television stations WOOD and WKZO, and also did work for The Muskegon Chronicle and The Grand Rapids Press. Eventually, he took up videography, becoming better than the pros. After 41 years working as a machine operator at Muskegon Piston Ring, Bill retired in 1986. Well rounded, Bill was always quite knowledgeable about many things, possessing an intellectual quality. He enjoyed trivia, crossword puzzles, National Geographic, and was interested in UFOs. Bill loved to read, and even took pleasure reading the encyclopedia! Bill was a firm believer in the advantages of reading, often saying, learn one thing out of a book, and it will help you. Along with spending time with his family, Bill was also an avid card player and enjoyed the hobby of coin collecting. He loved football, but was a big fan of the Detroit Tigers. Sadly, following a lingering illness, Bill G. Oz Osburn, age 80, died at his home in Norton Shores on Thursday, May 7, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Betty; sons, Michael Osburn and Steven (Dawn) Osburn; daughters, Marjorie (Robert) Mura, Mary Osburn, Bonnie (Bruce) Hekkema, and Susan Osburn; 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his daughter, Patsy Osburn in 1958; parents; brothers, Clarence and Louis Osburn; sister, Elsie Pleimling and a nephew, Larry Osburn. SERVICE: Tuesday, May 12, 2009, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel with Rev. Terry Fulk officiating. Entombment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. VISITATION: Monday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: The USO or Muskegon Humane Society. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory, submit a favorite photo or memory, or to sign his online guest book.