Francis Osburn

The Osburn family is deeply saddened to announce the death of Architect - Francis John Osburn, at the age of 69 after a long, valiant fight with cancer. Peacefully, on 17th January 2015, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Liverpool England, John was educated at Wimbledon College in London. He studied architecture at John Moores University, Liverpool. He graduated in 1970. He quickly gained a reputation for inspiring design and successfully contributed to several design competitions. He was part of a design team that worked on SCOLA, a prefabricated school building system, ground breaking for its time. John emigrated to Canada in 1974. In 1978 he established his own firm John Osburn Associates Architect Inc. based in Timmins, serving Northern Ontario from James Bay to the mid Canada corridor. John's strengths were his vision, vigour and charisma. He was responsible for the design of many successful buildings for community, recreation, hospitals and schools. In partnership the firm expanded to include offices in North Bay, Sioux Lookout and Sudbury. John served his profession as a member of Council, the Ontario Association of Architects, and Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. In 1987 John moved to North Bay, Ontario. He served his community as President of The North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of Canadore College, and District Governor of Kiwanis. He was a leader at The Pro Cathedral of the Assumption - choir member and lector in North Bay. John had a lifelong passion for music. He played guitar with his sons and was a member of several choirs including the Gateway Harmony Company, The Pro Cathedral Choir and The Cellar Singers. He co-wrote several original songs with his best friend Jon Hughes and more recently he performed with Stack of Barley, a celtic music band. John was also a keen game fisherman, a fair to middling golfer and a fine artist. John was a superb poet and teller of stories. Pre deceased by his parents and two sisters, Cathy Yates of the United Kingdom and Annie Bosworth of New York. In 2012 John retired and moved to Muskoka to be closer to his family and to enjoy his favourite part of Ontario. Best friend and husband to Patricia for 44 years. John now rests in peace, strong in his faith, and is home in the arms of Jesus. John will be sorely missed by his two sons, Nicholas Osburn (Kristina) and William Osburn (Kelly), and his grandchildren Lily and Ben Osburn. The family will receive friends at the Reynolds Funeral Home "Turner Chapel" in Bracebridge on Wednesday, January 21st, 2015 from 7-9 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Bracebridge on Thursday January 22nd, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Messages of condolence can be made at www.reynoldsfuneral.com In lieu of flowers, please make donations to South Muskoka Hospital Foundation, Oncology department. Thanks to Jan R.N and Joanne R.N. (Paramed), Royal Victoria Hospital Barrie, Sunny Brook and Princess Margaret Hospitals,Toronto, Huntsville and Bracebridge Hospitals. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men" Matt. 4:19

Visitation Details

Wednesday, January 21st, 2015 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home "Turner Chapel"

Thursday, January 22nd, 2015 10:00am - 12:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home "Turner Chapel"

Service Information

Thursday, January 22nd, 2015 1:00pm, St. Joseph's Catholic Church

Interment Details

Riverside Crematorium