Robert Ambrose Osborn, Jr.

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Celebrating the life of
Robert Ambrose Osborn, Jr.July 04, 1932 - March 29, 2016

Robert Ambrose Osborn, Jr., died peacefully at home on March 29, 2016. Son of Robert Sr. and Ilah Frances (Traver) Osborn, Bob was born July 4, 1932, in Washington, D.C. He attended Falls Church High School in Virginia and graduated with his B.S. in pharmacy from The George Washington University in 1955.

Bob met his future bride Ruth Valerie Diegel at a youth fellowship meeting and they married in September 1954. After completing his education and licensure, Bob satisfied his two-year military obligation as a U.S. Public Health Service commissioned officer in Oklahoma, providing medicine to clinics and hospitals in four states.

After his service, Bob returned to Drug Fair, Inc., where he had worked during pharmacy school, and advanced through managerial positions to become V.P. and Director of Operations for that chain of 183 drug stores located in five mid-Atlantic states. He completed his 30-year career with Drug Fair in 1983.

Bob became a licensed real estate broker and office manager for Shannon and Luchs in Northern Virginia and was Vice Chair of the Northern Virginia Board of Realtors' arbitration panel, a position he held until his retirement to The Landings on Skidaway Island in 1989. He and Val loved playing golf for many years with their friends, took family trips to the beach and mountains and traveled together throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Bob joined the Kiwanis Golden K of Skidaway and served as its 10^th president in 1996. During his tenure, the club was the largest Golden K club in the world, with 331 members, raised over $80,000 and provided over 40,000 hours of service to the Savannah community. He was honored as a distinguished past president and George F. Hixson fellow. His name was inscribed on Kiwanis International Foundation's tablet of honor for his service as funding coordinator and administrative officer to two Georgia district governors. He and Val loved working with clubs throughout the state.

Active in his church, Bob offered his presence, gifts and service as a Board of Trustees chairman, Arts committee chairman, greeter and usher, jobs he always thoroughly enjoyed. His avocations included reading, golf, world travel and duplicate bridge, obtaining the rank of Ruby Life Master and becoming a licensed bridge director. He and his partners won three Landings Club bridge championships. He counted his many partners and opponents as friends, appreciating their sportsmanship and goodwill.

Bob's greatest treasures in life were his best friend and wife of over 61 years, Valerie, and their three daughters, Valerie Jan Wright (Richard), Charlotte Frances Becker (Stephen), and Elaine Anne Watt. He treasured his grandchildren, Stephanie Lynn Schoop (Justin), Virginia Leigh Wright, Andrew Becker (Pam), Michael Becker, Amy Becker Henry and Moli Elizabeth, Samuel Robert, Sophie Ruth and Max Edward Becker, Darcy Watt Gurganous (Tom), Lindsey Watt Alami (Ossama) and Chelsea Anne and Kaitlyn Ruth Watt, as well as his ten great-grandchildren and his nieces, nephews and cousins.

Known for his loyalty, steadfastness and positive attitude that enabled him to get things done, Bob enjoyed good health and was a life-long learner. His sense of humor was contagious. He was grateful for his loving family and friends and their presence in his journey of life with countless blessings along the way. His greatest sorrow was the death of his daughter Charlotte in 2008. Bob's brother Michael also preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, sisters Mary Fay Gallwey and Alice Louise Lukac (George) and brother William H. Osborn (Suzanne).

A celebration of Bob's life will be held 11 AM, Saturday, April 9, at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 5-7 PM, Friday, April 8, at Fox & Weeks on Hodgson Memorial Drive. His ashes will be placed at the Skidaway Island United Methodist Church memorial garden in a private ceremony. The family expresses its gratitude to Hospice Savannah and to friends for their loving care and concern during Bob's illness. Remembrances may be made to Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church, Hospice Savannah or the American Cancer Society.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Valerie, Bob was a dear friend and I grieve with you and your family for your lost. The next time I seriously think of raising chickens, I will remember the "Chicken man's" input. Hopefully, you will remain strong during these bereaved times. Leroy

- wilson, Savannah, Ga

We, along with Alison and Alexander, send our deepest condolences to Aunt Val and the rest of the family. Uncle Bob was a good guy.

- Mike Diegel and Trish Rimo, Silver Spring, MD

Dear Val: We extend our deepest sympathies to you in this difficult time. We were privileged and honored to have known Bob. He was a good friend, a great mentor, and above all a true gentlemen. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Our condolences to you and your family.

- Roger & Barbara Neds, Savannah, GA

Hi Bob. I will always remember your special smile & hug at Plantation bridge. Heaven has a new shining star. You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers. Have missed you & Val. My ?

- Phyllis huffer, Savannah, Ga

Dear Val and Jan, I played bridge with Bob about 4 weeks ago, at which time he shared his thoughts about his life and his family. He was a remarkable man who was immensely grateful for the blessings he had been given - especially his family that he loved so dearly. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss of a kind, gentle man who was admired by all.

- Norm and Renee Sanders, Savannah, GA

Deepest sympathy to Val and all the family. In the short time Bob was here at Savannah Square we all knew him to be a cheerful and helpful man who soon became involved with our community. He will be missed by all.

- Marie Penney, Savannah, GA

My prayers and deepest sympathy are with Val and her family at this very difficult time. All of us that had the pleasure of knowing Bob will miss him so much. I will miss his wonderful smile at the bridge center. May all of your wonderful years of memories see you through the coming days and make you smile.. Bob would love that...Peggy Schoolar

- Peggy Schoolar, Richmond, VA

Melissa and I share the loss of a great man. Our time on Skidaway gave us the opportunity to interact with Bob and we plan to see him again! God Bless you all! Bob and Lis

- Robert C. Parrish, Gainesville, GA

This man who spread cheer here at Savannah Square will be missed by many here. He is with his Lord. May the God of comfort be with his entire family now and always. He is safely home. Bob and Jean MCGinn

- Robert & Jean McGinn, Savannah, GA

I knew Bob from bridge when I lived at The Landings and he was such a wonderful person. My sincere condolences to the entire family.

- Barbara Rorick, La Quinta, Ca.

We extend our deepest sympathies on your loss. Ours prayers are of and for the family. We know that Bob is with the Lord. Amen

- David Sapp and Linda Riggs, HInesville, Ga

Bob always had a big smile and a warm greeting that made you feel that he was really glad to see you and find out how you were doing. He was a truly genuine human being. He never spoke badly about anyone and was ready with a positive comment on your bridge game if you asked. He will be missed greatly.

- Brent Anthony, Savannah, GA

Only once or twice in every generation is a truly good man or woman born who will enrich the lives of the rest of us. Bob was such a man. Our world is diminished by his passing. We miss him, and we offer his wonderful family our sincere condolences.

- Karen and Walter Sobol, Savannah, GA

Condolences to the family of this fine man.

- Barbara H. McCoy, Savannah, Georgia

We were saddened today to find out that Bob had passed. We have fond memories of Bob in church, golfing , Kiwanis and suppers at your lovely home with our gals singing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Val, and your family.

- Pat and Marion Lach, Buffalo,, NY

Lois and I always had the highest regard for Bob. He was always caring, always tried to be helpful, no matter the circumstances. We will miss him. Val, we know you are suffering from this great loss. Just know that your friends and Bob's are here for you. Ed and Lois Fritts

- Ed and Lois Fritts, Savannah, Ga.

Our sincere condolences go out to Val and the family. We loved Bob and will miss him greatly. He was a true inspiration to all of us, he will be missed by many.

- Bruce and Marianne Schutz, Savannah, GA

Dear Val, I am saddened to learn of Bob's passing. He was a very dear friend and mentor to me. He will be sorely missed by all of us. God Bless.

- Hazel Brown, Savannah, GA

Bob was truly an inspired and an inspiring man. His love for his family was above all else. His caring for those in need, his counsel for those that asked, and his friendship for all he came into contact with will serve to keep him alive through our memories. May his eternity be filled with watchful happiness for his family, with great golf shots, and with grand slams bid and made in bridge. He will be missed by all of us.

- Judy and Lee Weiner, Savannah, GA

My sincere condolences to the Osborn Family on the passing of your dear loved one. May Jehovah God, the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28(to resurrect those who have been asleep in death). May fond memories of Robert linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.

- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA

Bob was a wonderful friend, not only to me but to everyone in his sphere. His love of family was the highlight of his life and he spoke in glowing terms of his lovely wife, Val, his daughters, sons-in law and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by everyone his life touched. Carol Duren

- Carol Duren, Savannah, GA