Raymond Howard Osburn, age 58, of Elk Ridge UT, returned to his heavenly home Monday, April 8, 2019. Ray was widely known for his punny sense of humor, his ability to handyman his way through just about any project, his happy disposition, and his loyalty to his faith, family, and friends.
He was born in Sun Valley, California. When Ray was just a toddler his family moved from their hillside home in California to Sheridan, Colorado. His early years were filled with the great outdoors. Ray’s family enjoyed camping in the Geneva Basin and Ray spent many years hiking with the Colorado Mountain Club climbing the “14ers”. Ray was a dedicated Boy Scout, earning his life rank. He filled his youth with interests and skills that would be significant throughout his life. He always had a knack for tinkering. Ray often could be found working on the family’s Volkswagens, and he became a skilled self-taught auto mechanic. His impressive resourcefulness was not limited to cars. Ray built his first computer from scratch and did it so well that he was able to build computers for others. Armed with a High School diploma, an incredible work ethic, an optimistic outlook, and a quick mind, Ray launched his own viable computer and network business in Denver, CO.
Through his computer business Ray became a Novell user group president and coordinated groups in several Western states. It was through his work with Novell that he met his eternal sweetheart, Sandy, and through her and her family that he was introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ray was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1997. He sold his business in Denver and moved to Utah where he worked as an IT manager at Larsen Davis for a short while. Ray then found a home for his skills at Intermountain Health Care in 1998 and he worked there for the rest of his career. He truly loved the people he collaborated with at IHC. On May 16, 1998 Ray married Sandy in the Manti temple. He became a father to her six children and was a blessing and a gift to their family.
Ray’s hobbies and talents were as numerous as the projects he was constantly beginning. He was always looking for a way to use what he had to offer to bless his family and his community. He was a ham radio operator for the Elk Ridge City emergency system. Ray served in the scouting organization as the Cub Scout committee chairman. He made a habit of bringing home discarded computer parts from his work to fix them up and donate them to families who needed them. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in the Elder’s quorum, Young Men’s organization, Sunday School organization, as a Young Single Adult advisor with Sandy and truly loved being a Temple worker.
Ray was an avid mountaineer and loved to hike and camp. If given the choice between the highway and the back road, he liked to put the car in 4WD and hit the less beaten path. Ray loved to adventure and explore. His prowess as a fisherman was a constant source of good-natured fodder for his family. He loved to laugh. Even the corniest pun would win a hearty chuckle. Ray’s ‘GR8 PUN’ license plate was a perfect summation of the entertainment he liked best. He was a culinary enthusiast and a champion of tacos, Dr. Pepper, hot sauces, mushrooms, cracked black pepper, black licorice, and horseradish. Ray had a special place in his heart for dogs and brought treasured pets Bear, Nipper, and Chelsea into the family.
Ray was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. He fought the dragon with courage and determination. Even through his ever increasing pain, Ray worked on many projects. He and his family were and are so grateful for the many loving friends who worked by his side. Ray oversaw the replacement of the roof, built a shed in the backyard, remodeled the master bath and kitchen with Sandy, and built a deck with his grandsons, Jacob and Charlie and completed many other projects.
Ray is survived by his wife, Sandra Rockwood Osburn; brother, Brad Osburn; sisters Susan Cox and Mindy Osburn; daughters Arianne Morrey- husband Will, Brittany Thompson- husband Cory, and Tiffany Whitelaw- husband Brett; and sons Cori Lindstrom- wife Jesse, Damien Lindstrom- wife Danielle, and Ethan Lindstrom- wife Megan. He is also survived by 21 loved grandchildren, all who will miss him dearly. Ray is preceded in death by his father, Jack Osburn; mother, Irene Phillips Osburn; and brother, Doug Osburn. Countless friends, neighbors, and coworkers join in celebrating his life.
The family expresses sincere gratitude to Dr. Nathan Rich, Dr. Gary Garner, Dr. Howard Reichman and Dr. Brandon Barney for their skilled care and friendship to Ray and his family. Deep thanks are also extended to the many nurses and technicians whose kindness and excelled service helped Ray fight his battle. Some friends have said, “Ray was very courageous, when others would have thrown in the towel or slipped into self pity, Ray marched on with determination and grit and fought a valiant battle to the end.”
Ray’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 13th at 1:00PM. Viewings will be Friday, April 12th from 6-8PM and Saturday from 11:45-12:45. All services will be at the Elk Ridge Stake Center, 185 East Ridge View Drive, Elk Ridge Utah.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of the following or a charity of your choice:
Huntsman Cancer Center
Humanitarian Fund – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
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